On the 19th, the first term of the Economic, Social and Labor Committee (ESLC) under President Lee Jae-myung was officially launched, marking a significant moment after a year and three months of suspension due to conflicts under the previous administration. Faced with complex issues like the spread of artificial intelligence (AI), low birth rates, and aging demographics, the committee hopes to facilitate discussions between labor, management, and government to address pressing challenges such as employment insecurity, retirement age extension, and polarization in the labor market. The history of the committee has been marred by distrust and controversies over representation, particularly with the absence of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which has refrained from participating since leaving in 1999, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding government-led initiatives and the effectiveness of agreements that often lack legal binding power. President Lee emphasized the idea of 'flexible security'—an approach that enhances job flexibility while simultaneously strengthening social safety nets such as unemployment benefits and vocational training. He noted the inherent worries from labor groups regarding job security and perceived the firm stance from businesses on employment rigidity. Lee suggested that a mutual agreement could be reached where labor would concede to flexibility in employment in exchange for stronger safety nets funded by companies benefiting from such changes. The President's invitation for open dialogue in lieu of immediate resolutions suggests a desire for thoughtful engagement with all stakeholders, acknowledging that any undue pressure could adversely affect worker rights and livelihoods.