`People to Feel Recovery From 2nd Half of Next Year`

President Lee Myung-bak said yesterday that the Korean public will likely start feeling economic recovery from the second half of next year.

He made the comment at Seoul Women’s Plaza after being briefed on policy plans for the working class and employment for 2010 by the Health, Welfare and Family Affairs Ministry, Labor Ministry, Gender Equality Ministry and Veterans Affairs Ministry.

“Businesspeople seem to sense (economic recovery) reaching the level before the global financial crisis, but the working class has yet to,” he said. “The government could mistakenly feel relieved because the economy improved this year, and we are concerned over whether the people will grow less attentive to (government policy).”

On measures to help the working class, President Lee said, “The government cannot singlehandedly tackle job creation, care for the underprivileged, and expansion of the social safety net.”

“While (the government) must reinforce social services, non-profit social companies and the private sector must also grow to create quality jobs.”

“Korea must upgrade its dignity in various aspects, including care for the underprivileged and children’s protection to a level commensurate with national dignity,” he said. “Let’s redouble efforts to ensure that next year will become the first year of an upgraded Korea as an advanced country by improving quality in all aspects.”

Forty-six civilians including representatives from companies and organizations and jobseekers attended the briefing. They held a heated debate with civil servants over job creation and social welfare.

koh@donga.com