By Kim Young Deok and Lee Hana

Photos = Kim Sunjoo

Seoul | Nov. 4, 2019

With President Moon Jae-in's term past the halfway point, a forum on the achievements and pending goals of his administration was held on Nov. 4 at The K Hotel in southern Seoul.

The event focused on the results of the incumbent administration's economic and social policies, offering directions for public administration in the years ahead.

Jung Hae Gu, chairman of the Presidential Commission on Policy Planning, said that while issues like social polarization, rapidly aging population and trade protectionism need addressing, the administration must achieve progress in areas that directly affect the daily livelihood of the people.

The sessions discussed the results of the government's economic and social policies, but interest focused on the economy. Economic experts expressed a positive outlook for the administration's policies, while also expressing concern.

Yang Pyeong-seop, vice president of the Center for Area Studies under the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy, supported the president's responses to the economic policies of the U.S., China and Japan, citing as an example Seoul's efforts to both localize and diversify its materials, parts and equipment industries in the wake of Japan's export restrictions.

He also said the administration's New Southern Policy has produced favorable outcomes in the economic, social and diplomatic spheres, citing trade volume between Korea and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations reaching a record USD 160 billion and people-to-people exchanges of more than 10 million last year. He also said, however, that these numbers were concentrated in one country (Vietnam) and proposed forming new strategic partnerships with countries like India and the Philippines in a systematic way.

The president's social welfare policy was applauded for its definitive outcomes but also criticized for being limited.

Kim Tae-wan, head of the Inclusive Welfare Research Group under the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, lauded the positive impact on society of reforms in health insurance coverage and national plans for fighting Alzheimer's.

With labor issues and social polarization lingering as socioeconomic problems, Kim added that "we need to overcome class, generational, regional, gender, income, educational and cultural differences and focus on social policies that integrate our society, overcome poverty and give equal opportunity to all people."

kyd1991@korea.kr