'Remember, Thank You'... Chilgok Halmaes Present New Year's Cards to Yoon

Grandmothers Visit Yongsan Presidential Office
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Yoon Has Used the Font on SNS Since Presidential Candidate Days, Creating a Connection

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] "Thank you for not forgetting and remembering the Chilgok Grandmothers."

The grandmothers from Chilgok, Gyeongbuk, who are the protagonists of the 'Chilgok Halmae Font,' visited the Yongsan Presidential Office on the afternoon of the 12th and presented President Yoon with a large New Year's card measuring 90cm wide and 60cm tall with this message written on it.

They wrote, "I learned to write like this and wrote to the President. I really did well. During the holidays, family should gather, but because of the country's affairs, we can't see our family properly, so it's sad, right?" and "Grandma also feels this way during the holidays thinking of my late husband. Anyway, since it's Seol, please receive lots of blessings and take good care of your health."

The Chilgok Halmae Font is the handwriting of grandmothers who learned Hangul at adult literacy classes held by Chilgok County for the elderly. Five grandmothers selected by Chilgok County practiced writing over 2,000 sheets for four months to complete the font.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon used the Chilgok Halmae Font on his social media (SNS) during his presidential campaign to communicate with the younger generation. This font was also used on the message cards included in President Yoon’s New Year's cards and Seol gifts this year.

The grandmothers who visited the Presidential Office?Kim Young-bun (77), Kwon An-ja (79), Lee Won-soon (86), Chu Yu-eul (89), and Lee Jong-hee (91)?wrote in the guestbook, "We grandmothers trust the President. My eyesight is poor, so writing is difficult. My hearing is a little better. Please let the President hear many good stories," according to Deputy Spokesperson Lee Jae-myung’s written briefing. In response, President Yoon wrote, "Elders, please stay healthy. I will always support you."

First Lady Kim Geon-hee, who was present at the meeting, expressed her gratitude, saying, "The grandmothers’ handwriting is so beautiful that many people who received this year’s New Year's card liked it."

Grandmother Kim Young-bun said, "At first, learning the alphabet was overwhelming, but the more I did it, the more fun it became, and I even shed tears. Now I want to go to school and learn English."

Grandmother Chu Yu-eul also said, "When I went to the bank to withdraw money, they asked me to write my name, and my hand trembled every time. Now that I have learned to write, I write well."

Deputy Spokesperson Lee said that President Yoon was deeply moved after reading the poem "Those Days Were Good" written by Grandma Chu herself.

On that day, the grandmothers also gifted red beans, soybeans, rice, and other products they had grown themselves. President Yoon and his wife even tasted the oriental melon chips and honey made by the grandmothers on the spot.

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