President Lee Jae-myung stated today (the 26th), "Strong balanced national development policies must be pursued," adding, "This is not a matter of choice or benevolence, but an essential strategy for South Korea's survival and sustainable growth."

President Lee made the remarks during the Central-Local Cooperation Meeting held at the Blue House, attended by heads of metropolitan and local governments from across the country, saying, "The starting point of all major problems facing South Korea is extreme territorial imbalance."

President Lee diagnosed, "The greater Seoul metropolitan area, including Seoul, is suffering from overcrowding and the brink of explosion, while regional areas are facing the opposite threat of extinction. Because of this, overall national efficiency is declining and national competitiveness is being eroded. This is undesirable for both the metropolitan area and the nation as a whole."

He then emphasized, "In this respect, the multipolarization of super-gap strategic industries, symbolized by the 'Three Mega Projects,' is believed to be the key to opening an era of shared growth where the entire country develops together."

He also promised, "The central government of the Republic of Korea is making all-out efforts to foster next-generation strategic industries that will support region-led growth alongside the Three Mega Projects. Furthermore, I would like to pledge that we will do our utmost to foster industries and jobs centered around the '5-Pole, 3-Special' framework, and support the improvement of residential, educational, and welfare settlement conditions."

(Photo: Yonhap News)