President continues to promote policy achievements on X
97% of global firms' investment to go outside capital region
President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday he hopes expanded investment by global companies in South Korea will "raise the competitiveness of regional advanced industries, create quality jobs and open up more opportunities for young people in the regions."
Lee posted on X, formerly Twitter, sharing a news report that seven global companies had pledged $2 billion in investment in South Korea at the "Invest Korea Summit (IKS) 2026," an event hosted by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
"What stands out about this round of investment pledges is that global companies are directing their investment toward the regions," Lee said. "Particularly notable is that 97 percent of the total investment is concentrated outside the capital region."
Lee added that the government would work to increase investment and jobs in the regions and build "growth for all — where people anywhere in South Korea can enjoy opportunities to prosper."
Lee used X to promote a series of other policy achievements as well. He shared a report that the number of people classified as "resting" — those neither employed nor actively seeking work — had declined for the first time in four years after hitting a record high last year, writing: "This is welcome news, but we must do more. There is still a long way to go."
Sharing a police report on the results of crackdowns on real estate speculation, Lee wrote: "The era of making money through illegal acts — real estate speculation and other crimes — must come to an end. A third crackdown is reportedly starting soon, so if there are any violations, I urge you to correct them now before it is too late."
Lee also personally introduced an AI-powered labor law consultation service developed by civil servants at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, saying he would "actively support the on-the-ground efforts to find solutions through new technology so that they lead to better public administration."
In addition, Lee announced a policy guaranteeing residency and work authorization for children born out of wedlock to Korean nationals abroad, in cases where parentage disputes are brought before South Korean courts. "I hope that this half-homeland can offer at least some comfort and help," he wrote.
hss@heraldcorp.com
