Daejeon: Former Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung vowed Thursday to introduce comprehensive support measures for the defense industry in a bid to position South Korea among the world's top four defense powerhouses. Lee, who announced his presidential bid last week and is leading opinion polls for the June 3 presidential election, made the pledge ahead of a scheduled visit to the state-run Agency for Defense Development in Daejeon, about 160 kilometers south of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee stated his intention to establish a control tower for defense exports and hold regular presidential meetings to develop strategies for boosting arms exports. He emphasized the importance of the defense industry, leveraging manufacturing capabilities and advanced technologies as a potential engine for addressing the country's slowing economic growth.
To achieve these goals, Lee proposed strengthening the government's comprehensive support system for the defense sector. He committed to reforming the financial package, offering tax incentives for arms exporters, and crafting region-specific strategies to enhance international cooperation.
Additionally, Lee expressed plans to establish branches of the National Assembly and the presidential office in Sejong, an administrative city, within his term if elected. He reiterated his commitment to balanced development and, in the long term, advocated for the complete relocation of the Assembly and the presidential office from Seoul, contingent on public consensus.