President Lee Jae-myung has laid out his agenda for the year, calling for a major leap forward in politics, the economy and diplomacy.

In his New Year’s Day address, Lee said the people-centered government aims to make this year the starting point of a “great leap” for South Korea, likening the year to a powerful gallop of the Red Horse. Lee said the government will push forward progress across politics, the economy, society, culture, diplomacy and national security.

Lee took office in June after a snap election, following the removal of former president Yoon Suk-yeol over his failed martial law bid late last year.

He said his administration first focused on stabilizing politics and restoring the economy, which had been shaken by the political crisis. Lee said consumer confidence has rebounded, exports topped 700 billion dollars, and the benchmark KOSPI passed the 4,000-point mark for the first time. He also highlighted a deal to secure 260,000 advanced chips from U.S. firm Nvidia to support the government’s push for artificial intelligence.

On diplomacy, Lee said South Korea has returned to the global stage, concluding a trade deal with the United States and winning approval for nuclear-powered submarines and advanced nuclear fuel capabilities.

Lee acknowledged that the benefits of recent growth have so far gone mainly to large conglomerates.

He pledged to ensure that growth is shared more widely across society.
Lee proposed shifting away from a Seoul-centered development model toward a more balanced national growth strategy.

He outlined a five-pole framework, positioning the Seoul metropolitan area as the economic center, the central region as an administrative hub, and the southern region as a maritime base.

Lee said regions farther from Seoul will receive stronger government support.
He also highlighted the National Growth Fund, which aims to attract 150 trillion won in public and private investment over the next five years.
The fund will focus on future industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and renewable energy.

On security, Lee reaffirmed his commitment to easing tensions with North Korea and supporting U.S. efforts to restart dialogue with Pyongyang.
He said peace on the Korean Peninsula is essential for sustainable growth. Lee said stable peace leads to stable growth, and strong security is the foundation of prosperity.