On the afternoon of October 2, 2025, dealers are working in the dealing room of Hana Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul, as the KOSPI surpassed the 3,500 mark for the first time in history, closing at an all-time high of 3,549.21. Photo by Yonhap News.

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President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Today, the KOSPI surpassed the 3,500 mark for the first time in history. This trend itself does not seem likely to change easily."

On October 2, during the senior secretaries and aides meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office, President Lee remarked, "The people are regaining hope and are determined to start anew. Many abnormal things are being restored to normal. I believe the stock market rally is driven by that force."

He continued, "If public officials prepare well and do their utmost in systems, policies, and administration, so that we do not revert to abnormality and can move forward, things can get even better than they are now. We must work to ensure that the warmth of economic recovery permeates every corner of people's lives so that everyone can benefit."

President Lee Jae-myung is presiding over the senior secretaries meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office on October 2, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

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President Lee announced that, officially, he would take annual leave and rest during the Chuseok holiday. He said, "Starting tomorrow, if you add one more 'sandwich day' to the 10-day holiday, a long break of ten days begins. I also plan to take annual leave on the sandwich day and rest officially."

At this, the senior secretaries and aides laughed, saying, "Officially?" President Lee responded with a smile, "Rest is rest. Even just not coming to work in the morning is something. You should also take a break-officially." The aides laughed again, and President Lee added, "Of course, it's an official break. Emergency standby work must still be done. Honestly, do public officials really get vacations or holidays?"

He went on to say, "Public officials are supposed to work 24 hours a day. It's the kind of job where you jump out of bed even while sleeping. That's what being a public official is." Jokingly, he added, "Your reactions make it seem like you're resisting with laughter." President Lee concluded, "Still, take a break. Even just not coming to the office is something." The scenes of President Lee and his staff were broadcast live to the public.

Sangrak Wi, Director of National Security Office, is personally assisting with adjusting the chair height of President Lee Jae-myung during the Senior Secretary Meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on October 2, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

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As the laughter in the meeting subsided, President Lee once again reaffirmed his determination, as the nation's top leader, to trust the people and move forward unwaveringly together for a better life for all. He said, "The environment surrounding us is not easy, and there are many challenges, but I believe that with the great resilience of our people, who have overcome countless adversities, we can easily overcome this as well."

Finally, mindful that the meeting was being broadcast live, President Lee addressed the public: "To all our citizens, although these are difficult times, I hope you have a joyful and happy Chuseok, meeting your families after a long while. Thank you." Earlier, before his opening remarks, after the national ceremony and as he was about to sit down, President Lee commented, "Why is the chair set so low?" and tried to adjust it himself. Wi Sangrak, Director of the National Security Office, got up and helped him raise the chair height, to which President Lee remarked, "The National Security Director solves everything."