Lee Jae Myung New Year Address 2026: Acting as 'Pacemaker' for Peace and Nuclear Growth

The seats at the table are empty, but the 'pacemaker' is ready. President Lee Jae Myung delivered his annual New Year's speech on January 1, 2026, vowing to facilitate potential talks between North Korea and the United States. Amid high tensions following Pyongyang's military cooperation with Russia, Lee's administration aims to leverage a 'comprehensive strategic alliance' with Washington to break the diplomatic deadlock.

Lee Jae Myung New Year Address 2026: A 'New Renaissance' in Diplomacy

According to Yonhap, President Lee highlighted a new renaissance in Korea-U.S. relations. He pointed to Washington's approval of Seoul's push for nuclear-powered submarines and expanded uranium enrichment capabilities as transformative milestones. These developments aren't just for defense; Lee expects them to serve as a backbone for national economic recovery, easing uncertainties following recent trade deals.

Domestic Shift: Beyond the Capital and Conglomerates

On the home front, Lee announced a major shift away from the Seoul-centric growth model. The government is implementing customized strategies for five regional hubs and three special self-governing provinces. He emphasized that regional development is an 'essential strategy for national resurgence' rather than a favor to provinces. Furthermore, he pledged to bolster the cultural sector, stating that culture itself has become a 'linchpin of national competitiveness' and a future growth engine.