President Lee Jae-myung said Tuesday that "revitalizing traditional markets, which are closely tied to the daily lives of citizens, is very important to substantially improve people's livelihoods," addressing his recent visits to traditional markets. The remarks served as an indirect rebuttal to opposition claims of "election interference" over Lee's frequent stops at traditional markets following major presidential events.
Speaking at a senior secretaries' meeting at the Blue House, Lee said, "I have recently been having meals mainly at traditional markets after events, and there are some who argue, 'Why did you go eat at a market?'" He dismissed the election interference claims, adding, "I have always enjoyed eating at markets, so I hope people will understand."
Lee assessed that "while our economy is showing strong growth led by exports, the warmth has yet to sufficiently reach neighborhood commercial districts." He continued, "When I go to markets, I hear stories from many people," noting that "many ordinary citizens at traditional markets are making their living there, and many ordinary people also depend on them." The comments highlighted that he has been gauging the economic sentiment of ordinary citizens through his market visits.
Above all, Lee said, "The situation at traditional markets seems to be worsening rather than improving, more than expected," adding that "merchants have many demands for facility improvements such as arcades and signage, as well as for safety facilities." He pointed out, "There is also significant demand for the renovation of aging facilities. Modernizing traditional markets must be expedited, and costs are needed in that process, but there is a practice of having the private sector — merchants or merchant associations — bear part of the cost burden as a matter of shared responsibility." On this issue, Lee stressed, "Although completely eliminating this may be difficult, it appears that even the minimum necessary facility improvements cannot be made because of that burden. I ask that you increase the government's share of the burden and reduce the private sector's burden, so that things that could be done are not left undone because of those contributions."
Lee also called for the activation of an online distribution platform connecting traditional markets nationwide. "These days, online transactions are common, but traditional markets are being pushed aside, so they likely cannot diversify their sales channels and are facing difficulties," he said. He proposed, "It might be one way to revitalize them by tying together all traditional markets across the country and creating a platform." He added, "This is just one method, so I am not saying it must be done this way," urging officials to "find ways to invigorate distribution by mobilizing every possible means."
Lastly, Lee added, "Only when traditional markets thrive, when alleyways and provinces thrive, can the country thrive. Balanced economic growth is possible only when all regions, all areas and all parts of our society grow together."
