President Lee Jae-myung on the 22nd said, "We have entered a super-aged society where the elderly population exceeds 20% of the total population," adding, "From now on, policies for seniors have become policies for everyone." Inviting the leadership of the Korea Senior Citizens Association to the state guest house for a luncheon under the theme "The path seniors have walked, the path we will carry on," Lee said, "We are pursuing a variety of policies so that seniors can spend a healthy and dignified old age."
Lee said, "Korea, once the poorest country relying on foreign aid after the Korean War, has now become an attractive country drawing global attention and an advanced nation admired by all," adding, "We know very well that our economic, political, and cultural achievements were all built upon the sacrifices and dedication of our seniors, including everyone here today."
Lee added, "Countless seniors built homes and corporations with their bare hands on the ruins of war and sweated overseas, far from home, dedicating themselves to the reconstruction and industrialization of the homeland," and "Through the April 19 Revolution, the May 18 Democratization Movement, and the June Struggle, they brought democracy into full bloom, overcame authoritarianism to establish a democratic government, and achieved a peaceful transfer of power."
Referring to the Dec. 3 martial law, Lee said, "Korea, which had joined the ranks of advanced nations, narrowly escaped the risk of falling into a developing country due to last year's sudden martial law and has returned to a normal track." He added, "When I meet foreign leaders, I feel how much interest there is in our country and people and our culture," and said, "Building on the achievements made this year, we will do our best next year to make the country leap forward and grow even more."
The presidential office began official duties at Cheong Wa Dae on this day, starting with the relocation and opening of the Chunchugwan, which houses the press room. It comes 3 years and 7 months after the transfer to the Yongsan Ministry of National Defense building immediately after the launch of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration in May 2022. Although there had been several luncheons at the state guest house under the Lee Jae-myung administration, it is effectively the first time seniors from the Korea Senior Citizens Association have been invited since the official return to Cheong Wa Dae. The presidential office plans to complete procedures for the executive office and the Office of National Security by the end of this month.
About 190 people attended the luncheon, including Korea Senior Citizens Association President Lee Joong-keun and the heads of city and provincial chapters. From the presidential office and the government, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs Moon Jin-young, and Minister of Health and Welfare Jung Eun-kyeong were present.