Sejong: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced that the government's focus in the new year will be on fostering strategic industries, safeguarding citizens from disasters, and promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim outlined these priorities during a ceremony marking the year's first day of work at the government complex in Sejong. The government aims to create an open administration that responds to public voices and elevates the nation's confidence on the international stage.

Kim emphasized the importance of advancing strategic industries such as artificial intelligence, bio, contents and culture, defense, and energy, collectively referred to as "ABCDE." He stressed the government's commitment to placing respect for life at the center of state affairs, with plans to mitigate risks from industrial disasters, suicides, wildfires, and other preventable causes of death.

As part of the third priority, the prime minister reiterated the government's ongoing efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Since its inception, the Lee Jae Myung administration has taken proactive steps to reduce conflicts, including addressing issues like North Korea's 2024 trash-carrying balloons and loudspeaker propaganda. The government remains open to dialogue to foster peaceful coexistence and prosperity in the region.