{"id":2208331,"date":"2025-02-11T08:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-02-10T23:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2208331"},"modified":"2025-02-10T16:43:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T07:43:28","slug":"lee-jae-myung-lays-out-campaign-vision-as-south-korea-braces-for-political-shift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2025\/02\/lee-jae-myung-lays-out-campaign-vision-as-south-korea-braces-for-political-shift\/","title":{"rendered":"Lee Jae-myung lays out campaign vision as South Korea braces for political shift"},"content":{"rendered":"
South Korea\u2019s main opposition Democratic Party (DP)leader Lee Jae-myung delivered a sweeping <\/span>address<\/span><\/a> at the National Assembly on Monday, outlining his vision for national recovery and economic growth. In his speech, Lee condemned President Yoon Suk-yeol\u2019s martial law declaration as an attempted coup and vowed to defend South Korea\u2019s democratic order. He also presented a broad policy agenda, including a $20.6 billion (30 trillion won) supplementary budget, labor market reforms such as a transition to a four-day workweek and increased investment in AI, biotechnology and renewable energy.<\/span><\/p>\n While emphasizing economic stimulus and technological competitiveness, Lee also pledged to protect workers\u2019 rights and social safety nets, proposing an expansion of public welfare and universal basic services. On foreign policy, he reiterated his support for a strong U.S.-ROK alliance while advocating for a diplomatic approach to North Korea. The speech came as the Constitutional Court <\/span>deliberates<\/span><\/a> on whether to uphold Yoon\u2019s impeachment, a ruling that could trigger a snap presidential election within 60 days.<\/span><\/p>\n WHY IT MATTERS<\/b><\/p>\n Lee\u2019s speech was a de facto campaign platform for an election that could take place as early as April or May, should the Constitutional Court uphold Yoon\u2019s impeachment. By framing himself as the leader of a \u201crecovery and growth\u201d movement, Lee positioned the DP as the stabilizing force in South Korea post-impeachment.<\/span><\/p>\n Lee\u2019s push for a 30 trillion won supplementary budget will likely be welcomed by the business community, particularly as South Korean firms brace for the impact of Donald Trump\u2019s <\/span>tariff threats<\/span><\/a>. Morgan Stanley already <\/span>estimates<\/span><\/a> South Korea\u2019s GDP growth for this year at 1.5%, meaning additional stimulus could provide much-needed relief.<\/span><\/p>\n Lee\u2019s call for a four-day workweek transition will draw mixed reactions. Labor unions are expected to praise the initiative, but the Federation of Korean Industries and small business owners are likely to push back hard, arguing that such a shift would erode productivity and place undue strain on smaller enterprises already struggling with tight margins. Even if Lee wins the presidency, his administration will almost certainly need to negotiate a compromise solution rather than unilaterally pushing forward such a dramatic labor reform.<\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, it is not guaranteed that labor unions will fully back Lee. His recent pivot toward <\/span>economic pragmatism<\/span><\/a>, including his decision to withdraw his support for the planned <\/span>financial investment income tax<\/span><\/a>, has drawn skepticism from some union leaders who fear he is becoming too aligned with corporate interests.<\/span><\/p>\n