Lee Myung-bak quotes:

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.

One of the most important reasons for North Korea continuing its nuclear ambitions is to consolidate the power to stay within the Kim Jong Il family.

The Nuclear Security Summit was President Obama's initiative born out of his vision to leave behind a safer, more prosperous world for the future generation.

If we are to assume that North Korea becomes a nuclear-power state, of course the danger of having an all-out nuclear war, that possibility is very slim.

The endgame is peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.

The North Koreans have gained, or bought, a lot of time through the six-party-talks framework to pursue their own agenda.

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.

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

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.

Well when I was young, actually not just me, but we were all poor. Korea used to be one of the poorest countries in the world. Despite such circumstances, I was very, very fortunate to be blessed with having parents who always instilled in a spirit of can-do spirit.

My success will be remembered by others. I don't have to constantly remind myself. However, I must always remember my failure, for if I forget them, I am bound to myself.

Korea is an open society and we will make sure that there is no restriction on foreign investment in Korea.

The role of G-20 is to support the global economy to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth.

What we have is North Korea still pursuing path to a nuclear weapon state. So the majority of people's trust in North Korea has gone down considerably.

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

Including myself, the majority of the Korean people believe in this staunch alliance between Korea and the United States and all of us hope that our traditional alliance will be further strengthened in the future.

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.

I plan to eliminate the equity cap in investment, and I also plan large-scale deregulation to meet global standards.

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

I will serve the people in a very humble way.

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.

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

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

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.

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

I'm well aware of the people's wishes.

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.

I think it's safe to say that it's rather premature for anyone to make any initial assessment or analysis of Kim Jong-un, or have an accurate impression on Kim Jong-un.

When the Korean economy was just trying to get back on its feet after the war, having parks was a luxury

I plan to lower corporate taxes to create an environment that encourages companies to invest more.