South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye Kyung delivered a Lunar New Year’s greeting to the public Tuesday, pledging to move steadily toward a future shaped by the people’s aspirations.
In a 3-minute holiday message, Lee vowed to serve as a “president for all,” saying he would “take the future of South Korea envisioned by the people as a milestone and move forward step by step without wavering.” The video was titled “A More Special Lunar New Year Together for Everyone.”
Appearing alongside Kim in hanbok, traditional Korean attire, Lee expressed gratitude to citizens for their efforts over the past year, saying the country had been returning to stability faster than expected thanks to public support.
“I extend my deep appreciation to all sovereign citizens who have protected this nation in the streets, at home and in their workplaces,” he said.
Lee acknowledged that people may hold different perspectives and ways of life, but stressed that shared hopes unite the nation.
“As we live in different places and in different ways, our views and thoughts on the world may differ,” he said. “But the hope that our children will grow up in a better environment is the same, no matter where or how we live.”
He added that people share common wishes for the health of their families and neighbors, as well as for the well-being of both younger and older generations. He expressed hope that Korean society would continue to move forward based on solidarity and trust in the coming year, just as citizens encouraged one another and overcame difficulties together over the past year.
First lady Kim also extended her wishes, expressing hope that the new year would bring health and happiness to every household.
herim@heraldcorp.com
