(LEAD) Lee vows to prioritize people's livelihoods ahead of 500th day in office

SEOUL, Oct. 15 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has vowed to prioritize improving the livelihoods of ordinary citizens as he prepares to mark his 500th day in office on October 16. At a gathering with his top advisers, the president emphasized his government's commitment to pursuing reforms and fostering national unity, without yielding to external pressure or opposition.

The 500th day since the inauguration of Lee's Government of Popular Sovereignty will see the administration focusing on tangible benefits from economic growth trickling down to the lives of everyday South Koreans. Despite the nation's economy showing impressive results in various sectors, Lee acknowledged that the well-being of people remains a pressing concern.

To address this, Lee instructed his aides to push for policies that tackle housing, employment, and financial challenges. The president called for a special response unit to combat violent crimes targeting individuals and organized groups, a move prompted by a spate of high-profile incidents, including a recent stabbing spree in Incheon that left eight people injured.

Lee stressed that establishing robust measures to tackle crimes in personal relationships and those affecting numerous individuals is crucial for safeguarding societal safety. He vowed to mobilize all government resources to ensure that the fruits of economic growth translate into improved living conditions for all citizens.