The government on Dec. 17 said it will do its best to conduct regulatory reform and boost investment to improve economic vitality next year.  The country will get an early start in proceeding with large-scale industrial investment projects worth over KRW 6 trillion. It will also pre-allocate budget or raise the proportion of government subsidies for infrastructure investment projects worth KRW 8.6 trillion.  In an extended meeting of economy-related ministers at Cheong Wa Dae, the government set up the direction of its economic policy for 2019 with per capita income set to reach USD 30,000 for solidifying the foundation for “an innovative and inclusive state where all people prosper together.” 

By Park Gil-ja and Kim Minji “Since hosting Kim Jong Un’s sister at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in February, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has met his counterpart from the North in three historic summits on the future of the Korean Peninsula this year, as well as brokering the landmark meeting between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump,,” the U.S.-based weekly said Dec. 10. President Moon has held two summits with North Korean leader Kim this year to reduce tension and raise peace prospects on the Korean Peninsula. a Time announced the shortlist of its 10 nominees for the honor on the “Today Show” of NBC and its final selection will be made on Dec. 11.

President Moon Jae-in on Dec. 10 stressed the role of peace in human rights, saying, “Peace will guarantee human rights and that will secure peace.”  In a ceremony marking Human Rights Day at the Seoul Cathedral of the Anglican Church of Korea, the chief executive said, “Removing the remnants of the Cold War and setting up a permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula are all intended to secure human rights and a decent life for the Korean people.” “This will serve as the foundation for freedom, justice and peace of not just the Korean Peninsula but also Northeast Asia and the whole world.”  Moon is the second sitting president to attend the Human Rights Day ceremony; Roh Moo-hyun was the first in 2003.