Lee Myung-bak

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

From the Chinese perspective, Korea ranks about third or fourth in terms of trading volume and about third in terms of investment.

I know that throughout their history, the people of the United States defended their freedom, their liberty, their justice, and their rights - if need be - with their lives. I think their courage is so admirable.

Just to take a couple steps back historically, Korea, as you can see, is located among what we call big countries. And historically we've always been the victim of numerous invasions and whatnot.

First of all, I think all countries in the world have agreed it is not in anyone's interest to test-fire a missile, or whatever its is.

With the lessons taken from the financial crisis in 1997, the Republic of Korea has been able to surmount the global economic crisis rather successfully.

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

I plan to eliminate regulations that hinder domestic companies, particularly large conglomerates from investing in other companies.

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.

Talking about Korea, it has pretty high capital ratios at banks and maintains a good credit rating.

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.

My wife, well she has extensive experience, because before becoming the first lady, she was the wife of the CEO of a large conglomerate. So I have very high hopes that she will carry out her job successfully as first lady of the Republic of Korea.