President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 19 that he is contemplating the creation of a separate organization dedicated to overseeing youth policies.
During the 2026 Youth Day ceremony titled 'From Youth,' held at the Blue House, he remarked, "Youth issues are not merely the concerns of a specific group but a fundamental question of whether South Korea can remain a country that continues to grow and develop." This was the first time President Lee attended a Youth Day ceremony since taking office.
He described today's youth as the most outstanding and hardworking generation he knows, yet lamented that the outcomes do not reflect their efforts. "They are the generation that has studied the longest but are waiting the longest for employment," he said. "They are the best prepared generation yet have the least, and despite fierce competition, their future is the most uncertain."
President Lee emphasized that living a normal life has become challenging unless one is exceptional, stating, "This is not the fault of individuals." He identified the widening polarization and the restructuring of industries due to artificial intelligence as key factors contributing to the difficulties faced by young people.
He pointed out that unlike in the past, opportunities for youth to experience failure and challenges have diminished. Companies have shifted from hiring and training new graduates to focusing on experienced hires, making it difficult for young people to gain the necessary experience for employment.
The government is preparing measures to provide young people with practical educational opportunities, asset-building initiatives, and housing solutions for marriage and childbirth, he explained.
"Fortunately, the current economic situation is improving, allowing for some leeway," President Lee noted. "Empowering the youth is also about enhancing the overall capacity of our society."
He added that to transition society into a future industry system driven by advanced technology, it is essential to cultivate the necessary skills, which he described as a fundamental aspect of industrial policy.
President Lee expressed his intention to incorporate the voices of young people and those on the ground in the process of formulating youth policies. He stated, "It is difficult to manage what effective and necessary policies are with existing organizational and personnel capabilities. Therefore, we are making efforts to find solutions directly from the field, focusing on those who are present there."
He also addressed the gap between decision-makers and the youth, saying, "The perspectives of those in their 50s and 60s differ from those in their 20s and 30s. The people with the most authority are the farthest from the issues and realities."
While he is considering providing opportunities to the younger generation, he acknowledged the challenge of finding suitable candidates due to the emphasis on experience and qualifications.
Over 150 young people, youth organization representatives, government youth advisors, members of the Youth Policy Coordination Committee, and youth policy contributors attended the event, which was open to applicants through the official website. Government officials present included Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, and Youth Future Secretary Kim Tae-won.
President Lee concluded by expressing hope that the stories shared by the attendees would inspire good ideas that could create new hope for the youth generation, urging collective efforts to ensure that young people receive their fair share and opportunities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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