Government to Revise Farmland Survey but Delays CPTPP Accession
President Lee Jae-myung on the 8th ordered the government to improve follow-up measures to the nationwide farmland survey (a parcel-by-parcel examination of farmland across the country) and to postpone its application to join the CPTPP (a major trade agreement among Asia-Pacific nations to make buying and selling goods easier) until the end of the year. The decision reflects his judgment that winning the trust of farmers and fishermen must come before pushing forward with the trade pact.
The farmland survey plan originated from a February Cabinet meeting directive by President Lee. At the time, he said, "Despite the constitutional principle that 'the right to farm land lies with the tiller,' it is being violated in various ways," adding that "the farmland management system must be normalized." The government launched the basic survey in mid-May, and on July 30 announced that "27% of farmland acquired since 1996 (2.84 million parcels) is suspected of violating the Farmland Act."
The government's stance on the CPTPP has shifted repeatedly. After mentioning in its "2026 Economic Growth Strategy" in January that it would "explore the possibility of joining," the government made no notable public moves until August, when it announced a policy to "review accession." Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan formalized the accession review in a second-half policy briefing chaired by the president, and as Korea's membership became tangible ahead of the CPTPP ministerial meeting in November, concerns grew over damage to agriculture, forestry and fisheries. On September 28, the government estimated that CPTPP accession would increase domestic manufacturing output by an annual average of about 6 trillion won, while reducing the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector by about 850 billion won per year.
As farmers' backlash continued, President Lee changed course at a Cabinet meeting on the 6th, saying, "Rather than rushing with a predetermined conclusion, let us start the conversation anew from square one," and on the 8th ordered the end-of-year accession application postponed. Kang Yu-jung, senior presidential secretary for press affairs, said at a written briefing on the 8th, "Above all, restoring trust between the government and farmers and fishermen is the priority," adding, "Under the principle that no one, including farmers and fishermen, will be left behind, we will review the CPTPP accession issue through sufficient communication."
