(Unofficial translation)

The midpoint of my term has passed since the launch of my Administration. I am deeply grateful to the people for their unwavering support. During the remaining second half of my term, I will stay even closer to the people with more humility. Listening attentively to what they have to say – both encouragement and reprimands, I will work on state affairs with a heavy sense of responsibility. 

The last two and a half years have been a transition period for surmounting a past that had to be overcome while moving toward a new future. Not settling for the present, we have sown the seeds of social change and worked hard to cultivate hope. 

From the start, my Administration inherited a crumbling nation, but it has rebuilt and normalized the country. It is now spreading the values of justice and fairness into all sectors of society.

On economic and social fronts, we have channeled our efforts into laying the groundwork to create a country where everyone thrives together by turning a polarized and unequal economy that has been structurally undermining the Korean economy into a people-centered one. Our work has focused on nurturing the Republic of Korea’s future growth engines while transforming our fast-follower economy into a pace-setting one, capable of promoting future new industries and spawning a venture boom.

On another front, inclusiveness is being drastically enhanced. The national health insurance coverage has been expanded and a state system that takes care of dementia patients has been put in place, thereby opening an era of guaranteeing lifelong health for the entire population. A wider employment safety net has been cast, and tailored welfare programs have also been expanded, including an increase in the basic pension, the introduction of a monthly child benefit and the implementation of free high school education. 

A miracle-like change has also been crafted regarding the state of the Korean Peninsula. We’re now taking on the important, historic challenge of getting rid of the menace of war and transitioning toward a new order of peace and prosperity through dialogue and diplomacy.

We are also changing diplomacy in new ways. While focusing on national interests and strengthening diplomatic efforts with the four powers surrounding the Peninsula, we have expanded our diplomatic horizons by steadily pursuing diversification. In addition, we’ve broadened our exchanges and cooperation as well as the economic realm toward the target countries of our New Southern and New Northern policies. We have responded to Japan’s export restrictions in a composed and confident manner, thereby turning them into an opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic materials, components and equipment industries. We are now cementing the foundation to build a country that cannot be shaken by anyone.

In this transition process, we have faced numerous controversies and real-life difficulties. Political conflicts have often occurred, and necessary legislation has often been delayed. The people might have endured inconvenience and pain as we have broken away from the familiarity of the past and sought a new way. Still, though challenging, we had no choice but to take this path for the future of the Republic of Korea. As a result of our hard work over the past two and a half years, I believe that the foundation of a new Republic of Korea and definite changes are being created. 

The remaining half of my term has now become all the more important. If the first half of the term saw seeds sown and sprout, the second half needs to have flowers blossom and bear fruit. Only then will we be able to talk about the success of the Moon Jae-in Administration. Until the people can clearly sense changes, the Government will unwaveringly take the path toward innovation, inclusiveness, fairness and peace.

Innovation is about creating our future. We need to further accelerate our efforts and make unequivocal changes that will help resuscitate dynamism throughout our economy.  

Achieving inclusiveness is an endless task. Rather than settling for the accomplishments and changes made so far, we aim to move forward without interruption until severe polarization and inequality are resolved and our society becomes more compassionate and safer. 
  
Pursuing fairness is a dominant trend that no one can afford to resist. We should not loosen the reins in the reform of all social sectors so that even the unjust privileges and unfair elements hidden in the system are rectified and everyone can access equal opportunities and processes.  

Peace is all about determining the destiny of the Korean Peninsula. The miraculous change to date is merely a beginning. We cannot guarantee or be optimistic about the outcome yet. Obviously, there will be many challenging processes to come. However, we have no other option. We will have to succeed without fail by boldly moving forward with an unwavering resolve until we usher in a new era of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. 

The next two and a half years are a critical period for the people and nation. As we enter the second half of my Administration, the Government’s and my resolve and commitment is bound to be renewed and grow firmer. 

We will bring about the genuine changes desired by the people. I will do all I can to fulfill the presidential duties demanded by the people and times. In the process, I will communicate with a wider range of people and listen to different opinions, thereby gaining a broader understanding. The people’s support has always been the driving force. I hope that the people will also join in. 

Thank you.