Yoon Seok-youl, the president, is expected to hold a national briefing later this week to announce his plans for the ‘4+1 reform,’ which includes reform measures for pensions, healthcare, education, and labor along with a response to low birth rates. This reform is aimed at showcasing the overall framework of reforms with ‘sustainability’ as a key keyword. The exact timing and format of the briefing are still under discussion.
During the briefing, President Yoon plans to unveil the core principles of the government’s pension reform plan, which aims to enhance intergenerational fairness by adjusting contribution rates based on age groups. Additionally, mechanisms to adjust payment amounts and benefits automatically in case of fund shortages will be put in place to ensure sustainability. There are also plans to increase pension benefits for military personnel and women giving birth.
Detailed government proposals for the reform will be unveiled by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in early next month. President Yoon is also expected to emphasize the progress in areas like healthcare, education, labor, and low birth rates, underscoring the need for ongoing reforms.
In the education sector, President Yoon is expected to highlight achievements in initiatives such as ‘Neulbom schools’ and ‘Yubotonghap’ while emphasizing the importance of dismantling ‘shadow education cartels’ and introducing ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) textbooks’ starting next year. Labor reform will focus on protecting vulnerable workers, including non-unionized and irregular workers.
In the healthcare sector, a proposal for transitioning towards specialist-centered advanced general hospitals is likely to be presented. Furthermore, measures to support essential medical staff and resolve issues such as the overcrowding of emergency rooms are expected to be discussed.
Low birth rates will be a key focus, with President Yoon establishing an office to oversee low birth rate issues and forming a population strategy planning department led by a deputy prime minister to address the problem. However, the establishment of the planning department will require amendments to government organizational laws and cooperation from the National Assembly.