0
President Lee Jae-myung presides over a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on July 8. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung on July 8 ordered a review of establishing a new “control tower” to lead South Korea’s push to become one of the world’s top four defense exporters. He also proposed regularizing strategic meetings to boost defense exports and industry development.

Chairing a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, President Lee stated, “Review the establishment of a central body to lead our goal of becoming one of the world’s top four defense powers, and consider holding regular strategic meetings to support defense and export promotion.”

Highlighting that the day marked the government’s first official “Defense Industry Day,” Lee said, “During the Korean War, we didn’t have a single tank. Now, 75 years later, South Korea has risen to become the world’s 10th-largest defense exporter.” He pointed to the recent 9 trillion won deal to export K2 tanks to Poland as a milestone achievement.

Calling the defense industry both a “new growth engine for the economy” and “a solid foundation for national security,” President Lee urged government-wide efforts to invest in R&D and foster talent in the sector.

Lee also addressed the recent tragic death of two sisters in Busan, stressing the importance of reinforcing child safety protocols. “Child safety measures must be double- and triple-checked,” he said, emphasizing that with the school summer break approaching, immediate steps must be taken to prevent similar incidents.

He directed relevant ministries to “swiftly review all aspects of child safety policies, including minimizing gaps in child care.”

On the political front, President Lee welcomed bipartisan progress on forming a joint task force to implement shared presidential campaign pledges. “I am grateful and consider it a positive step,” he said. “I urge both ruling and opposition parties to work together on practical measures that truly benefit the people.”

He concluded by asking each ministry to carefully examine what contributions they can make toward advancing those bipartisan commitments.