Lee says southern coast aerospace belt will lead South Korea's leap to space power

President Lee Jae Myung said Friday he believes a planned aerospace industrial belt along South Korea's southern coast will lead the country's rise as a major space power.

Lee made the remarks at the 5th National Space Council meeting, held at the centennial hall of Gyeongsang National University's Chilam Campus in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. "The aerospace sector is undergoing a great transformation — from a domain driven by state-led research and exploration to a vast industrial arena led by capital and the market," he said.

The event carried the slogan "Expanding territory beyond the Korean Peninsula — the southern coast aerospace industrial belt leads the way," and was attended by aerospace researchers and senior government officials including ministers and vice ministers.

In his opening remarks, Lee said the global race for technological supremacy was extending beyond Earth and into space. "Just as the oceans were during the Age of Exploration, space is becoming a stage of boundless new opportunity for every nation with advanced technology and industrial capability," he said. "That is why the aerospace sector is undergoing a great transformation — from a domain of state-led research and exploration to a vast industrial arena driven by capital and the market."

Lee also referenced SpaceX's planned listing, saying South Korea must advance as a nation with an unrivaled industrial edge. "To get there, concentrated investment in and cultivation of the aerospace industry is essential," he said.

"I believe South Korea's technological capabilities have already been proven," Lee said. "The achievements built through the hard work of our researchers must now translate into stronger industrial competitiveness — and the government will provide firm backing."

Lee pledged full support for the country's innovators. "I want to make clear that we will spare nothing to ensure our innovative companies and scientists can challenge themselves freely and boldly," he said. "We will decisively build up the aerospace industry, which will serve as both a cornerstone of national security and a new engine of future growth — staking the nation's future on it."

Lee also called on the public to stay engaged. "I ask that the people follow with close attention as the challenges rising from our regions reach beyond the sky and into space," he said.