Sejong: President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday emphasized the importance of substantial strategic investments in future industries, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), renewable energy, and aerospace, as part of his commitment to enhancing South Korea's industrial capabilities.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee underscored the significance of these sectors during a Cabinet meeting held in Sejong, identifying them as critical for securing global leadership in future industries. He pointed to SMRs, renewable energy, quantum computing, aerospace, and advanced biology as pivotal areas for investment. Lee stressed that these investments should be as rigorous and comprehensive as those in the ongoing megaprojects focused on semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).
During the meeting, Lee highlighted the necessity for balanced regional development, describing Sejong as a product of a historic decision to pursue such balance. He noted that the capital area surrounding Seoul has reached saturation, leading to disparities in real estate, education, and youth-related issues. The president argued that achieving balanced development is crucial for resolving these persistent challenges and ensuring equal growth opportunities nationwide.
Sejong, established in 2012 as South Korea's administrative hub, plays a pivotal role in the country's regional development strategy and aims to alleviate population concentration in Seoul. President Lee called for efforts to ensure the stable transfer of central government functions to Sejong, including the construction of a presidential office and a branch of the National Assembly.
Addressing other concerns, President Lee highlighted the need for enhanced measures to protect crime victims. This follows public unease regarding the quality of police investigations after recent legal changes transferred investigative authority solely to the police, removing prosecutors' direct investigative powers. He tasked the acting chief of the national police agency with developing strategies to allay these concerns and ensure effective support for crime victims.