President Moon Jae-in delivers his first address to the National Assembly on June 12, asking the assembly to pass his supplementary budget bill on job creation. This is the earliest in a presidential term that a Korean president has ever spoken to the National Assembly. It's also the first presidential speech to the National Assembly to ever use a PowerPoint slide presentation.
By Yoon Sojung
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae
President Moon Jae-in delivered his first policy speech to the National Assembly on June 12.
This is the earliest in a presidential term that a Korean president has ever addressed the National Assembly, 34 days since Moon's inauguration. His speech also drew attention as he used a new format -- PowerPoint slides -- unlike other presidential addresses in the past.
As President Moon explained his government’s supplementary budget on job creation to the National Assembly, a total of 22 slides filled the two large screens inside the hall.
“There is only one solution. That is to increase the number of decent jobs,” said President Moon, as he laid out his plans to solve political, economic and social issues facing Korea today.
To accomplish these goals, the president proposed a supplementary budget that would help to create jobs in the public sector for young people, to facilitate youth employment and to encourage new business start-ups.
President Moon also highlighted the points in his budget that would increase job opportunities for women and seniors.
The supplementary budget includes plans to raise wages during maternity leave, to almost twice as much as is currently available, to extend support for national and public daycare centers, and fund women who want to re-enter the workforce and find jobs more easily.
The supplementary budget involves funds earmarked for supporting the employment and health of seniors. These funds are designed to increase jobs available to seniors, and to help maintain their health. It also includes budget items to create jobs that reflect regional characteristics and strengthen public safety.
“The government needs to offer a helping hand without delay to people undergoing hardship,” said President Moon.
“I am determined to spend every single won in the budget on job creation,” he said.
President Moon Jae-in (bottom) delivers his first address to the National Assembly on June 12, asking for the cooperation of lawmakers to pass his supplementary budget bill that targets job creation.
arete@korea.kr
