For us, from Korea's perspective, China is the number one investment destination as well as number one trading partner.

I've noticed that in the U.S., when the president hits the three-year mark in office, he goes into re-election campaigning.

Fortunately, when Korea was struck by the 1997/8 financial crisis, that was a good opportunity for us to engage in fundamental reforms and strengthen our financial structure. As a result, our financial regulatory structure and regime have been very much strengthened.

Fiscal crises often turn into financial crises, dealing a blow to the real economy.

Yes, I don't believe that the inter-Korean relationship has, quote, 'deteriorated' since I assumed office. Rather I believe that the relationship between the two Koreas is entering into a new phase - a time of transition. And so I think that the North Koreans are trying to see what they can build with this, with my new administration.