President Lee Jae Myung on Jan. 9 chairs a meeting to release a national report on economic growth strategies for 2026 at Cheong Wa Dae. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

President Lee Jae Myung on Jan. 9 said, "We expect economic growth this year of about 2%, slightly above the potential growth rate," adding, "A policy to foster strategic industries such as semiconductors and normalize financial markets will further boost our economy's strengths and spur a new leap forward."

He said this in releasing a national report on economic growth strategies for 2026 at Cheong Wa Dae, adding, "This year is the inaugural year of the Republic of Korea's great leap forward to achieve growth in all sectors and the first year in which the Lee Jae Myung administration properly assumes responsibility for economic management."

"The government strongly intends to break away from the past paradigm in which the fruits of growth were not shared by everyone and seeks to achieve a great economic leap forward in which everyone shares in the opportunities and fruits of growth."

To achieve such a result this year, the plan is to focus on active macroeconomic policy and development of key industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, the defense industry, biotech, culture and green transition. In addition to boosting short-term growth, efforts will go toward raising productivity and industrial competitiveness through bold investments in cutting-edge strategic sectors.

dusrud21@korea.kr