On the 15th, President Lee Jae-myung promised during the 'National Appointment Ceremony', which was akin to an official presidential inauguration, that "the source of the Republic of Korea's national power has always been the people," adding, "The 'people's sovereignty government' will always place the source of national power, the people, at the center of its philosophy and vision for governance."
That evening, President Lee delivered a speech in the form of a 'letter to the people' at the National Appointment Ceremony held at Gwanghwamun Square.
He began his speech by emphasizing the dedication of the people who have led modern history through independence, national defense, democratization movements, and the Candlelight Revolution.
President Lee raised his voice, stating, "During the long years when the mountains and rivers changed eight times, our Republic of Korea faced challenges and trials that seemed unending, but our people have always stood firm. You, each and every one of you, who have preserved the past, saved the present, and opened the future, are the very essence of Korea's modern history."
He continued, saying, "Nurturing the potential and capabilities of the people will be the driving force behind national development, and as each of the 52 million people finds happiness, the national power will grow, creating a 'country whose master is the people'— and at the center of every future we imagine and dream will be the great Korean people."
He then presented peace and safety, along with the advancement of culture, economy, and science and technology, as the core pillars of the national vision. Citing the wishes of residents of Daeseong-dong in Paju for a life without war, the demands of bereaved families for safety in society, the dreams of budding cultural and sports figures for a cultural powerhouse, the global competition of corporations, and the innovative environment sought by scientists and technologists, he added, "We will stride boldly toward a happy Korea for everyone."
President Lee appealed, stating, "The adversity we face now is unprecedentedly arduous, but compared to the countless crises we have overcome, it is not an insurmountable obstacle," urging that "with united strength, let us overcome the current crisis and bequeath a more glorious nation that shines brightly."
He also referred to himself as "a loyal worker for the people of the Republic of Korea," promising, "I am immensely proud to be appointed as the President of the Republic of Korea. I will surely return this pride as joy and happiness for the people."
On the day following the June 3rd presidential election, President Lee held a brief inauguration ceremony attended by approximately 300 key figures in the National Assembly's Rotunda, and 72 days after his inauguration, conducted the National Appointment Ceremony attended by about 10,000 citizens, during which he received an 'appointment letter' from the people.
The event also saw the attendance of around 3,000 specially invited citizens in addition to 80 representatives of the people, including former President Moon Jae-in and his wife, the family of late former President Roh Moo-hyun, religious representatives, and figures from the political, economic, and labor sectors.
The 'light appointment cubes' containing the appointment letters written directly by the '80 representatives of the people,' composed of figures who have contributed in various fields such as democracy, economy, science and technology, culture, and sports, will be moved to the Presidential Office after the event for exhibition.
On that day, President Lee appeared wearing a white tie. The Spokesperson for the Presidential Office, Kang Yoo-jung, explained, "It signifies a fresh start, embracing everything like a blank sheet of paper."