President Lee Jae Myung Calls for Youth Policy Reform Amid Jobless Growth

President Lee Jae Myung called for a reform of youth policies on Friday during a meeting with experts, policymakers, and young entrepreneurs at Cheong Wa Dae. Lee stated that South Korea has entered a phase of low economic growth where opportunities for the younger generation have significantly diminished compared to those available to older generations. He noted that the country is experiencing a jobless recovery where economic growth does not require as much labor, a trend he suggested may be exacerbated by the emergence of artificial intelligence.

Lee emphasized that government policies often reflect the perspective of policymakers rather than the beneficiaries. He called for a shift in thinking to make policies more responsive to the actual needs and desires of young people. The meeting was organized to review the administration's support for the youth and to reorganize state administration to be more effective.

Both reports link these remarks to a decline in the president's approval ratings. A Gallup Korea poll cited by one source showed that only 30 percent of those aged 18 to 29 viewed Lee positively, while the overall approval rating stood at 44 percent. One source attributed this decline to complaints regarding stock prices and high housing costs.