President Lee Jae Myung outlined his vision for a national leap in 2026 during his New Year address, emphasizing balanced regional development and symbiotic growth between large conglomerates and small and medium-sized enterprises. He pledged to make 2026 the 'first year of Korea’s great national leap,' ensuring broad-based growth that benefits all citizens. Lee also began the year by paying tribute to fallen soldiers and independence fighters at Seoul National Cemetery.
On January 1, 2026, President Lee Jae Myung delivered his New Year address, calling for balanced growth to propel Korea's next economic leap. He declared, 'The goal of the people-sovereignty government is clear,' vowing to make this 'the first year of Korea’s great national leap, like a red horse in full stride.' He promised sweeping progress across politics, the economy, society, culture, diplomacy, and national security, ensuring that the fruits of growth are no longer monopolized by a small group.
'We will build a country where all citizens grow together as the nation grows, as large corporations and SMEs advance side by side,' Lee stated, noting that the economic formula behind Korea's rapid rise last century has become a 'success trap.' Inequality and widening gaps are now blocking growth, with concentrated investments in the Seoul area fueling social conflict and turning former strengths into obstacles. He urged a pivot to 'growth for all,' pointing out that benefits from recent U.S. tariff negotiations and large-scale defense and nuclear exports have disproportionately gone to major firms. 'Economic achievements made possible by the collective effort of our people must now extend to small businesses, venture firms, and household incomes,' he said.
For balanced regional development, Lee envisioned Seoul as the economic capital, the central region as the administrative hub, and the southern region as a maritime capital, creating a multipolar structure. He also pledged deeper investments in the cultural ecosystem to sustain K-culture beyond temporary trends. Peace, he stressed, is essential for growth, committing to reduce inter-Korean military tensions and rebuild trust. 'Peace is another word for growth,' Lee said. 'If we transform the costs of confrontation into peace-backed development, today’s Korea risk can become tomorrow’s Korea premium.'
Kicking off his New Year's schedule, President Lee visited Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, southern Seoul, where he laid flowers, burned incense, and observed a moment of silence to honor fallen soldiers and independence fighters, accompanied by senior aides and Cabinet members. In the visitors' book, he wrote of opening 'the first year of a great leap forward for the Republic of Korea in a world where we live together.'
