By Song Baleun and Lee Jihae

President Moon Jae-in's achievements in the first half of his term have been chronicled in a new book released on Nov. 13.

Titled Changes Under the Moon Jae-in Administration's First 2 1/2 Years: We Will Strive Harder, the book said the Moon administration has "ceaselessly endeavored to create a country where all citizens live well" by focusing on innovative growth, an inclusive society, protection from disaster, a fair society and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Korea is the seventh country to join the so-called 3050 club, or a group of nations each with a population of at least 50 million and average per capita income of USD 30,000 or higher. Over the past two years, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has also ranked Korea the global leader in macroeconomic stability and the spread of information and communication technology, saying, "Despite the globally low economic growth, (the Korean economy) marked continuous growth."

For innovative growth, the book said, the administration has begun investment in next-generation growth engines and changed the framework for innovation by adopting and applying the regulatory sandbox. For an inclusive society, it added, the level of basic pension has been raised while the amount of medical expenses the people must pay has been lowered.

As for protection from disaster, the book said the administration has thoroughly dealt with disasters and accidents both at home and abroad.

The book also cited the government's global credibility ranking among member nations of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development rising from 32nd in 2017 to 25th last year. The country also leads Asia in the global press freedom index at 41st.

The book added that the Moon administration has boosted the rights for both the people and the media and contributed to a fairer society.

On inter-Korean relations, it mentioned the third inter-Korea summit last year and the first U.S.-North Korea summit at Panmunjeom this year, saying, "(The Moon administration) will continue working hard with perseverance and tenacity."

brightsong@korea.kr