Song Young-gil and Lee Jun-seok Attend Blue House New Year's Meeting with 'Meaningful Well-Wishes'

Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice, and Various Figures Attend... President Moon: "Your Kind Words and Wishes Are the People's Hope"

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Lee Ji-eun] At the New Year's greeting meeting held by the Blue House on the 3rd, key figures from the government, political circles, business community, and religious sectors, including the five top officials, attended via 'video conference' to exchange well-wishes. In particular, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, who are preparing for the 20th presidential election on March 9, delivered 'meaningful well-wishes.'

Leader Song Young-gil said, "At the beginning of the year, I wrote in the guestbook at the National Cemetery, 'The tiger is coming down, step back, COVID-19.' I pledged to continue the achievements of the current government and to strive tirelessly for the happiness of the people, working hard for the economy and people's livelihoods."

On the other hand, Leader Lee Jun-seok stated, "It is darkest before dawn, but the sun will surely rise. This year, we will create a new Republic of Korea and leave a meaningful legacy." This was a well-wish that showed the 'different perceptions' of the ruling party aiming for regime continuation and the opposition party hoping to regain power.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok said, "The National Assembly will unwaveringly focus only on the people. It is said that when you meet a mountain, make a path, and when you meet a river, build a bridge. We will build a bridge of harmony to cross the river in times of crisis and proceed with a vigilant and patient attitude."

Supreme Court Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su emphasized, "Since the second half of last year, the judiciary has been helping citizens exercise their right to trial through video trials, and this year we will continue to operate in accordance with the will of the people. In the Year of the Tiger, let us develop the Republic of Korea further with the brave and progressive spirit of the tiger."

Constitutional Court Chief Justice Yoo Nam-seok said, "The Constitutional Court will uphold constitutional values that regard human dignity as supreme. Let us create a dignified society through the interest and solidarity of the people."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said, "I thank the people who actively cooperated in the fight against COVID-19, and let us continue to cooperate as we have so far to achieve inclusive recovery and overcome COVID-19. Let us welcome the new year and build a leading nation."

Central Election Commission Chairperson Noh Jeong-hee said, "This year is the year of the presidential and local elections, and these two major elections have contributed to democracy and the development of local governments. We will manage the elections fairly and transparently and ask for the active participation and cooperation of the people."

Wonhaeng, the Chief Executive Monk of the Jogye Order, pledged, "The religious community will accompany the people's harmony and happiness with a humble attitude."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Choi Tae-won, Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, "In this era of great transformation such as technological revolution and climate environment, it is important for companies to take on challenges and for the government to support as one team. I hope this year will be one in which the social safety net is expanded so that small business owners, self-employed people, and marginalized groups who are experiencing difficulties can feel warmth."

Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi conveyed, "President Moon Jae-in expressed regret that this is his last New Year's greeting meeting held via video conference and said that today's well-wishes and hopes from everyone are the hopes of the entire nation, and he will do his best to make those hopes come true."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.