President Lee Jae-myung said on the 25th, ahead of the Chuseok holiday, that he would "work even harder so that a bright light shines evenly on the life of each and every citizen, without any qualification or condition, and regardless of differences in opinion or thought."
Lee and first lady Kim Hye-kyung delivered their Chuseok greetings through a YouTube video posted the same day. "After a summer made unusually difficult by unprecedented heat, we have arrived at Hangawi, another name for Chuseok, when all the grains and fruits ripen," Lee said. "This is a time when faces we miss come to mind, along with words of thanks we had not managed to convey."
"I, too, would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude and respect to all our citizens who are quietly living out each day in their own place," he said.
Lee cited "those who come out to the streets before dawn to keep them clean, the farmers and fishermen who sweat for the food on our tables, the soldiers, police officers, firefighters and medical workers who protect the lives and safety of citizens day and night, and our proud overseas Koreans who are doing their best and bringing honor to the name of the Republic of Korea even in distant lands." He added, "The places we live, the work we do and the paths we have walked are all different, but our love for this country must be one and the same."
"As president, I am truly grateful and honored to be able to stand together with our great Korean people, who have built the Korea of today and are opening up its tomorrow," he said. He closed by calling Hangawi "a time when we can all meet the same full moon, wherever in the world we may be."
Kim said, "I hope you have a precious Hangawi, sending word to those you miss and sharing happiness with those you love." The couple then ended their greeting by saying together, "Thank you."
Lee departed for New York on the 21st to attend the U.N. General Assembly. After delivering his keynote address there, he traveled to Mexico City on the 23rd to begin a state visit. On the 24th, he laid a wreath at the Monument to the Heroes of the Fatherland and then took part in an official welcoming ceremony, a one-on-one summit, expanded talks, a memorandum of understanding exchange ceremony, a luncheon and a joint press announcement.
