President Lee Has Lunch with Former Elementary School Teacher... Teacher Says, "I Hear Many Say Lee Jaemyung Is Doing Well, and It Makes Me Proud"

Teachers' Day Luncheon in Andong with Former Teacher Park Byunggi and Samgye Elementary Alumni
President Lee Pins Carnation and Shares Embrace... Teacher Says, "Thank You for Putting the Country Back on Track"
President Lee to Alumni: "Let's All

On May 15, which is Teachers' Day, President Lee Jaemyung met his former elementary school teacher, Park Byunggi, and expressed his gratitude by pinning a carnation to his jacket.

Yonhap News Agency

According to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Ahn Gwiryeong in a written briefing, President Lee had lunch with Mr. Park—his sixth-grade homeroom teacher at Samgye Elementary School—and other alumni from Samgye Elementary School at a restaurant in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province.

Mr. Park is a teacher whom President Lee has often expressed his respect and gratitude toward in the past. Upon President Lee's arrival at the restaurant, the alumni greeted him with applause, and President Lee asked Mr. Park, "Teacher, how have you been?" He also greeted the other alumni with a smile, saying, "You haven't changed at all, just like in the old days."

President Lee then pinned a carnation to Mr. Park's chest and said, "Thank you so much, teacher," before embracing him warmly. The alumni also presented a flower basket and said, "Thank you for your guidance." Mr. Park responded, "I'm truly grateful for this gathering," and added, "Today is such a happy day."

The luncheon continued as an opportunity to share memories from their school days. President Lee, Mr. Park, and the alumni enjoyed a meal together featuring bulgogi, tofu with kimchi, and cabbage pancakes, catching up on each other's lives. Laughter filled the meal, and the alumni, meeting after a long time, reminisced about their childhood memories with joy.

When one alumnus asked, "Teacher, do you remember me?" Mr. Park replied, "I was worried I might not recognize you after all these years, so I reviewed the yearbook before coming," prompting laughter among the attendees.

Mr. Park listened attentively to each of his former students' stories with a warm smile. He became emotional and said, "I am truly moved. I wonder if any other teacher could experience such an honor."

Mr. Park told President Lee, "Thank you for putting the country back on track. Everywhere I go, I hear people say, 'Lee Jaemyung is doing a great job,' and it makes me very happy." He went on to say, "I believe you will continue to do wonderfully until the very end. Please pay special attention to the development of your hometown."

President Lee replied, "Once again, thank you, teacher." He also told the alumni, "I'm so glad and grateful to have my friends here with me. Let's all live healthily and happily in a better world." President Lee, Mr. Park, and the alumni concluded the Teachers' Day luncheon with bright smiles as they took a commemorative photo together.

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