South Korean President Yoon holds press conference for the first time in 1 year and 9 months: Two years since taking office, ”emphasis on dialogue” required

South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol held a press conference in the presidential office on the 9th, ahead of the two-year anniversary of his inauguration on the 10th. This is the first time Yoon has held a press conference, including joint press conferences with foreign leaders.
It has been about two years since the last time he spoke at the press conference, excluding the 10th general election. He also mentioned relations with Japan, and expressed his intention to continue to work on improving relations. At the press conference, Yoon said that the ruling party, the People's Power Party, which supports the administration, suffered a major defeat in the general election on the 10th of last month.
In relation to this, he reflected that "the government's efforts to improve the lives of the people were insufficient." He said that he would focus on improving the economy in the three years remaining of his term, saying, "Corporate growth and job creation are important, but I also think that
"I think what's most important is for each of us to look for problems in our own lives and make greater efforts to resolve them."
He also mentioned the declining birthrate, which has become a social issue.
The index fell to 0.72, hitting a record low. Yoon said the situation could be described as a national emergency, and indicated his intention to set up a specialized ministry headed by the deputy prime minister to strengthen the response.
Currently, policies related to the low birthrate and aging society are handled by the Committee on Low Birthrate and Aging Society, but this will be elevated to a ministry. Yoon said that the establishment of the ministry will require a legal amendment and asked for the cooperation of the National Assembly.
Regarding relations with Japan, Yoon said, "There are certainly differences between the positions of the people of Korea and Japan regarding past history and pending issues," but added, "For the sake of the future and future generations of both countries,
We need to think about how we should cooperate for our future, specifically in terms of dealing with North Korea's nuclear program, economic cooperation between the two countries, and leadership in the Indo-Pacific region and the international community.
"We must continue to improve relations," he said. The leaders of Japan and South Korea agreed last year to resume "shuttle diplomacy," a system of mutual visits between leaders. Last year, Yoon visited Japan in March.
Following that, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio visited South Korea in May. Summit meetings have been held many times since then, with seven meetings held in just the last year. Yoon said at a press conference on the 9th, "Prime Minister Kishida and I have a strong mutual trust, and both countries have been working together.
"We are well aware that there is a strong will to develop our relationship," he said. Yoon also mentioned the allegations surrounding Kim's wife, Kim Kun-hee.
She is suspected of receiving a luxury designer bag from a Korean pastor living in the United States in September 2022, after President Yoon took office. In South Korea, public servants and their spouses are required to make purchases of a certain amount or more in connection with their work.
There is a law prohibiting the acceptance of money or goods, and suspicions of violation of this law have been raised.
An investigation team has been set up at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, and Prosecutor General Lee Won-seok said on the 7th of this month that "We will investigate and take disciplinary action promptly and fairly based on evidence and legal principles."
"I apologize for causing concern with my wife's actions," Yoon said at the press conference, while also saying that the prosecution's investigation "will be carried out fairly, rigorously and thoroughly."
"I think that the situation will be resolved in a timely manner," he said, avoiding any specific comments. It was Yoon's first official press conference since August 2022. Former President Moon Jae-in held a press conference in the New Year.
Yoon has held press conferences on the first and second anniversary of his inauguration, but compared to past presidents, he has held fewer press conferences than any other president.
The People Power Party suffered a major defeat, and it was pointed out that one of the reasons for this was Yoon's self-righteous administration. After the general election, Yoon said, "I hope everyone will humbly accept the public will that was revealed in this general election.
"This has to stop. I will adopt a more humble and flexible attitude, communicate more closely, and listen to the will of the people," he declared.
It appears that this was also an aim.