President Lee says reviving people's livelihoods is his "top priority"

During today's press conference, President Lee Jae Myung also laid out his vision for major domestic issues, focusing on improving livelihoods and improving unity.

Our Presidential Office correspondent Song Yoo-jin reports.

Helping people get back on their feet will continue to be South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's number one priority.

Even on day one, President Lee issued his first executive order to establish an emergency economic task force.

The supplementary budget proposal worth 30-point-5-trillion won, or roughly 22-point-4-billion U.S. dollars, is also part of those efforts.

When asked about the impact of the universal cash handouts, President Lee said they'll act as a priming pump for the economy.

"It will help boost consumption while also supporting incomes. Ordinary people are really struggling to make ends meet. For someone worried about putting food on the table, 150,000 or even 500,000 won is enormous. I believe the impact will be greater than many expect."

Another area of focus was balanced development between the capital region and the rest of the country, which the President says is essential to Korea's long-term growth.

"I gave instructions at the Cabinet meeting to create a kind of weighting table by region when the government makes policy decisions or allocates budgets, for example, factoring in the distance from the capital area or major cities."

Other growth drivers highlighted by the President included investment in AI, semiconductors, and renewable energy.

He also pledged to pave the way for the KOSPI to reach 5-thousand by making the capital market fairer and more reliable.

On housing, following the recent tightening of housing loan regulations, he signaled that additional real estate measures are on the way, combining expanded supply with demand controls to stabilize prices.

Communication and unity were also recurring themes, especially across political lines.

President Lee described differing views as an "uncomfortable but necessary source of synergy."

"As the president representing the entire nation, I must pursue policies that bring our people together. Only appointing those who share the same views or political colors is risky."

That comment appears to address criticism surrounding his decision to retain Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung and appoint another prosecutor-turned Senior Secretary for Civil Affairs, who'll lead the prosecution reform.

Regarding cooperation with the opposition, the President said he's open to meeting frequently and as needed.

Thursday's press conference itself, held under the themes of "closer, broader, anew," reflected Lee's commitment to engagement.

It invited not only the presidential press corps and foreign correspondents, but also grassroots media outlets.

Reporters sat close to the President without a podium.

"President Lee didn't forget the public, promising they'll remain at the center of policy making.

He said he'll listen to their voices through direct channels, including the recently launched 'People's Mailbox' and town hall-style gatherings, such as the one in Gwangju last week.

Song Yoo-jin, Arirang News."