Roh: We Should Plan for Future

President Roh Moo-hyun said on December 30, “We can’t be optimistic about our future if we stick to Korea’s outdated policies,” and added, “Armed with creative and open-minded thoughts, we should put forth strategies for our future.”

In his New Year’s message for 2006, he added, “For now, I still believe in moving ahead, but we should set aside enough time to draw up a future plan in a placid mood and slow down by looking back and correcting our wrongdoings.”

The president commented on public welfare and economy issues as well, saying, “While the economy is in good shape, ordinary people are still tightening their purse strings,” and added, “In the New Year, I will make every effort to solve economic problems for ordinary citizens.”

He also said, “A variety of conflicts has caused disorder and anxiety. But I’m sure that the New Year will change all that. It seems that the big issues have almost been resolved. In the New Year, we can be more settled and prepare for the future.

Yeon-Wook Jung jyw11@donga.com