Yoon: "Saemaeul Undong is a Successful Development Cooperation Model... We Must Rise Again"

Attended Saemaeul Leaders Conference Ceremony... "Dedicated Service in Hinamno Damage Sites and Cheon Mask Production"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 2022 National Saemaeul Leaders Conference held on the 13th at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Songpa-gu, Seoul. /

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 13th that "the Saemaul Undong is a successful development cooperation model based on freedom and solidarity." He especially emphasized that "it is time for the Saemaul Undong, which helped overcome past economic crises, to rise once again to create a 'Republic of Korea that leaps forward again and a country where the people prosper together.'"

President Yoon made these remarks during his congratulatory speech at the commemorative ceremony of the '2022 National Saemaul Leaders Conference' held at the Jamsil Seoul Sports Complex Indoor Gymnasium that morning.

The Saemaul Undong is a community development movement that began in 1970 under the Park Chung-hee administration, originally named the 'Saemaul Village Development Movement.' It was founded on the principles of diligence, self-help, and cooperation, and is credited with contributing to overcoming poverty.

On this day, President Yoon mentioned that the Saemaul Undong played a significant role in overcoming national crises. He said, "This year, there were many places that required recovery and relief efforts more than usual," adding, "Every time, members wearing green vests have always been there to help." He continued, "In March, there were dedicated volunteer efforts by Saemaul members at the wildfire sites in Gangwon-do and Gyeongbuk regions, the heavy rain disaster sites in the central region, and the damage caused by Typhoon Hinnamnor. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they produced 1.2 million cloth masks themselves, and the leaders took the lead in quarantine activities."

He also described the Saemaul Undong as "a national spirit movement where Saemaul members unite to strive for national integration and restoration of order." He expressed hope that "they will practice universal values beyond generations, regions, and social classes," and pledged, "I will do my best so that Saemaul members who are dedicating themselves unconditionally in their communities at this very moment can take pride in their work."

Meanwhile, on this day, President Yoon awarded the Saemaul Medal of Self-Help to Jeon Munsu, Chairman of the Central Council of Workplace and Factory Saemaul Undong, and presented government awards to 21 exemplary leaders. The commemorative ceremony was attended by about 8,000 people, including President Yoon, Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, Chairman of the Central Saemaul Undong Association Kwak Dae-hoon, national Saemaul leaders, and university Saemaul club members.

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