South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has said in his first news conference in about two years that he wants to focus on growth led by the private sector, as he tries to set a new course for his government after a stinging defeat in parliamentary elections last month.
Yoon said in an opening statement on Thursday that his administration has worked to normalize the property market as he laid out his priorities for his remaining three years in office. He has little room to maneuver after the election in which the progressive opposition bloc led by the Democratic Party increased its majority to 192 seats in the 300-seat unicameral parliament.
The president sought to further boost ties with the U.S. and Japan, which have been a trademark of his government. He said this would help in ensuring security in the region to counter threats from the likes of North Korea and expand economic opportunities.