President Moon: "Supporting Artists and Athletes Eagerly Awaiting Reunion"

SNS Message on Metropolitan Area Cultural Facility Openings... "Personally, Wolin Cheongang Jigok is the Most Impressive"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in said in an SNS message on the 31st, "Professional baseball games have started, and cultural facilities in the metropolitan area also opened last week," adding, "I am very pleased that daily life is being restored. I thank the people who endured inconveniences for COVID-19 prevention, and I support the cultural artists and athletes who have been eagerly waiting to meet."

President Moon said, "Yesterday, I also visited the ‘New National Treasures and Treasures Exhibition’ held at the National Museum of Korea. It was a precious time to see cultural assets newly designated or upgraded as national treasures and treasures from 2017 to 2019," explaining, "Various cultural assets such as historical records like the Samguk Sagi, Samguk Yusa, and the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, as well as paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, crafts, and Buddhist art, were illuminating our traditional culture."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon added, "Even though it was a weekday and the number of visitors was limited due to COVID-19 social distancing, many citizens came with their children, which was very delightful."

In particular, President Moon emphasized, "Personally, the most impressive was ‘Worin Cheongang Jigok (月印千江之曲)’, written by King Sejong with Hunminjeongeum. It is a Buddhist hymn praising the virtues of Buddha, praying for the rebirth of Queen Sohyeon who passed away earlier, and it is the only surviving edition printed with movable type from King Sejong’s era."

President Moon said, "It is the oldest document using Hunminjeongeum, so you can see the earliest form of Hangul. The Korean sounds are written in large letters first, with Chinese characters noted in smaller script alongside, vividly reflecting King Sejong’s benevolent spirit to inform the people about Hangul."

Furthermore, President Moon said, "I could not post this message immediately due to concerns about the heavy rain damage occurring regionally, but I thank the National Museum of Korea, the Cultural Heritage Administration, and all the owners including the Kansong Art and Cultural Foundation who cooperated from the exhibition to quarantine. I hope the public can take some time to forget about COVID-19 and enjoy our traditional culture. Since this is a very rare opportunity, it will also be a great learning experience for children."