President Lee: "Waves of Middle East War and Inflation Are High... Overcoming National Crisis with Admiral Yi's Spirit" (Comprehensive)

On April 28, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "The rapidly changing international order is producing unpredictable uncertainty, and the rise in energy prices and inflation caused by the war in the Middle East are having a significant impact on our economy and the lives of our people."

Yonhap News Agency

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President Lee made these remarks during his congratulatory address at the 481st anniversary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birth, held at Hyeonchungsa Shrine in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do, on the same day. He emphasized, "The reality we face today is as turbulent and daunting as the waves of that era." He added, "Just as Admiral Yi Sun-sin saved the nation from a national crisis, overcoming the current crisis together is our calling." This is the first time a sitting president has attended Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birthday since former President Kim Young-sam.

President Lee continued, "To withstand the fierce storms blowing from outside, we must have a strong sense of unity that does not waver from within," and added, "No matter how great the crisis, if our people unite as one, we can overcome it."

President Lee evaluated Admiral Yi Sun-sin's leadership as being characterized by "thorough preparedness" and "devotion to the people." He said, "The Admiral always looked ahead to the future and made every effort to be prepared." He continued, "Even before the outbreak of the Imjin War, he built the Turtle Ship and conducted live-fire drills, thoroughly preparing for war."

He said, "During the war, Admiral Yi achieved legendary victories that are unparalleled in the history of naval warfare, thanks to his meticulous strategies and outstanding command." He added, "If Admiral Yi Sun-sin had not existed, or if it were not for his extraordinary insight and leadership, we might be living in a much bleaker world today."

President Lee particularly mentioned Admiral Yi Sun-sin's spirit of 'those who seek to live will die, those who are prepared to die will live.' He said, "He was armed with a solemn sense of duty and a devotion to the people, determined to protect the country and its people even at the risk of death." He continued, "That is why, despite having overwhelmingly insufficient resources and being surrounded by despair, he was able to unite his soldiers and the people as one, win battles against much stronger opponents, and save a country on the brink of collapse."

President Lee identified national unity as the driving force for overcoming crises. He said, "Admiral Yi Sun-sin was able to defeat a Japanese fleet that outnumbered him by more than ten to one with just 13 ships, only because everyone from the Admiral to the soldiers and the people were united as one."

He went on to say, "The government of the people will take inspiration from Admiral Yi Sun-sin's spirit and draw strength from strong national unity to fully devote itself to overcoming our national crisis."

President Lee also presented a vision to use the current crisis as an opportunity for economic and social structural transformation. He stated, "We will make every effort to turn the current crisis into a chance for a new leap forward." He continued, "We will establish a mutually beneficial structure where the fruits of growth are distributed fairly among all citizens, create a just society where privilege and unfair practices are not tolerated, and restore social trust."

He added, "We will accelerate the energy transition and concentrate all our capabilities so that the Republic of Korea can become a world leader in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)." He concluded, "We will continue to move forward unwaveringly toward a stronger and fairer Korea, a nation where all people are happy."

After the ceremony, President Lee moved to the archery range within Hyeonchungsa Shrine to observe the 65th National Archery Competition for the Presidential Cup. He applauded the demonstration archers and, following an impromptu suggestion at the site, took part in archery himself.

President Lee Jae-myung is drawing a bowstring at the National Archery Competition for the Presidential Flag held on the 28th at Hyeonchungsa Shrine in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. Photo by Yonhap News

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Meanwhile, prior to the main event at Hyeonchungsa Shrine, special lectures by experts and a traditional tea ceremony experience were held under the theme "Admiral Yi Sun-sin who protected the people, Hyeonchungsa Shrine built by the people," giving visitors the opportunity to experience Admiral Yi's spirit in overcoming national crises and the historical significance of traditional tea ceremonies, according to Deputy Spokesperson An Guiryeong of the Office of the President.

Deputy Spokesperson An explained, "This event not only commemorated Admiral Yi's devotion but also demonstrated the government's firm commitment that the entire nation will unite as one to turn the current crisis into a springboard for future progress." She added, "President Lee shook hands with each visitor at Hyeonchungsa Shrine, took commemorative photos, and engaged in dialogue before concluding his schedule."

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