(Unofficial Translation)

In connection with today’s agenda, we are joined by two guests from the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy. Please greet the Committee’s Vice Chairman Seo Hyung-soo and Head of the Secretariat Park Jin-gyeong with applause.

The year 2020, which has been punctuated by many more hardships than we have seen before, will come to a close in about a month. Throughout the year, the novel infectious disease, COVID-19, has posed a threat to our safety and brought crises to people’s livelihoods and the economy. During this period, our people have been gripped by considerable difficulties and distress. However, we have resolutely endured, overcome crises and generated hope. Lauded by the world for both our economy and epidemic prevention and control, the Republic of Korea has demonstrated its true nature as a country resilient to crisis.

One month from now, an annual report card on each country’s performance will be announced. I hope that everyone will help bring the remaining month to a successful conclusion so that this year will go down in history as the Republic of Korea’s great 2020. We should do everything possible for success both with epidemic prevention and the economy and give more impetus to our taking on the challenge of turning crises into opportunities.

Now is the time for public officials handling crises to renew their commitments further. We must return to the basics. All public servants should fulfill their duty to serve only the people and build a better country. We must overcome these crises and forge through this era of upheaval with the resolve to uphold communal interests first, rather than those of the ministries, agencies or groups to which one belongs.
 
If we fail to depart from the culture and practices of the past, we will end up falling behind amid rapidly changing global currents. Even though we may have to suffer pains and difficulties, we will be able to usher in a new future only when we determine to use reforms and innovation to boldly break away from the obsolete and seek change.
 
With a firm determination, my Administration is pushing ahead with the Korean New Deal, the initiative to be carbon neutral by 2050, the reform of law enforcement agencies and deregulation. These constitute efforts for change and innovation to leap into a new future in this era of crisis, moving beyond the survival of the Republic of Korea.

We are already changing. Korea has joined the ranks of the world’s top ten economies in terms of GDP. On top of this, the people may sense that our country is being acknowledged for its democracy, culture, infectious disease prevention and control, medical services, soft power, foreign affairs and international roles – to the same extent that its economy has already been lauded – and that it is already nearing the status of the G7 countries. The current situation seems confusing, but I hope that the people have confidence that the Republic of Korea is heading in the right direction and making rapid progress. 

This week, when December starts, is a critical juncture by many measures. Most of all, we must by all means halt the spread of COVID-19. The Government is focusing its capabilities on containing the spread of COVID-19 by raising the social distancing level and strengthening other epidemic prevention and control measures. It is very fortunate that the number of confirmed cases peaked around five days ago and has been on a gradual downward trend. We will make an all-out effort to tighten the reins further to control the pandemic, so the COVID-19 situation will be brought under control as soon as possible.     

Safely holding the College Scholastic Ability Test three days from now is the most important thing. A pan-government emergency response system will be activated to make every effort to ensure successful epidemic prevention and control for the test. We will thoroughly operate and manage test sites so that even confirmed patients or those who are in quarantine can also take the exam without any additional inconvenience. Meticulous preparations will be made against any kind of emergency as well. 

I also call on the people to come together as if they are parents of a student taking the test. The whole world is closely watching Korea’s College Scholastic Ability Test. Most developed countries have either canceled or postponed their nationwide tests due to volatile epidemic prevention and control situations. If we hold our test safely in this difficult time without excluding even those in self-quarantine or confirmed patients, the excellence of Korea’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic will shine even brighter. 

I would like to offer support and encouragement to parents and the students who must take the test amid inconveniences even after having faced difficulties studying all year long. I extend my gratitude once more to everyone who is actively cooperating with epidemic prevention and control guidelines.