President Lee Meets Donation Groups: "Thanks to You, There Are Fewer Children Like 'The Little Match Girl'"

Event Inviting Donation and Sharing Organizations Held on the 16th
President References "The Little Match Girl"
Lee: "I Hope Our World Does Not Become So Harsh"

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a greeting at the 2025 Donation and Sharing Invitation Event held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung expressed his gratitude to representatives of donation and sharing organizations on the 16th, referencing the fairy tale "The Little Match Girl." He said, "Thanks to the many people who look at the world with warmth in their hearts, our society is becoming one where there are fewer children like her."

On this day, President Lee hosted an event at the Yongsan Presidential Office, inviting donation and sharing organizations. The event was organized to encourage the spread of a culture of giving and caring for neighbors during the year-end and New Year season. A total of 32 people attended, including representatives and ambassadors of donation and sharing organizations, donors, and sponsored children and adolescents.

President Lee stated, "You are providing hope and comfort. As someone responsible for state affairs, I sincerely thank you," adding, "The fact that donations exceed the budget is evidence that there are many in our society who care about their neighbors."

He continued, "In politics, there is a common saying that 'being warm and well-fed is the best.' Conversely, this means we know how sorrowful and painful it is to be cold and hungry. When I revisited the plot of 'The Little Match Girl,' I realized how cruel the ending is. I hope our world does not become so harsh."

However, President Lee pointed out, "Even so, the most important thing is for the government and administration to maintain at least a minimum safety net," and acknowledged, "It is also true that there are still people who feel sadness and hardship due to remaining shortcomings."

After listening to remarks from the participants, President Lee commented, "Small acts of kindness create greater acts of kindness," and added, "I know that even the smallest gestures have been made with the utmost sincerity by donors."

The event concluded with President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung making a donation to the participating organizations.

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