President Lee Jae-myung on the 22nd proposed a "nationwide cleanup campaign" ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in Gyeongju.
Posting on Facebook that day, the president wrote, "From today until Oct. 1, the next 10 days are the 'Korea makeover week,'" adding, "Ahead of the Chuseok holiday and the APEC summit, this is a nationwide cleanup campaign arranged to welcome family and guests in a renewed Korea and on clean land."
He went on, "In particular, in areas with poor living environments and around traditional markets, local residents and volunteers will join forces to carry out intensive cleanup activities."
He added, "Regrettably, I will not be able to attend due to the schedule for the UN General Assembly, but I will do my best overseas to enhance Korea's standing and national dignity," and "If many people take part, it will be a great help in making Korea's land clean."
The president said, "Through the 'Korea makeover week,' I hope we will create a clean and pleasant land and build together a country that everyone can take pride in."
The president will depart for New York, the United States, that day for a 3-night, 5-day trip to attend the United Nations General Assembly for the first time since taking office.