[Full Text] President Moon's Letter to Chairman Kim Jong-un

[Image source=Yonhap News]

To Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

In this time of prolonged and painful struggle against the COVID-19 virus, heavy rains, and multiple typhoons, we are all facing a great ordeal.

I deeply empathize with the Chairman’s efforts to personally visit disaster sites, comfort those in hardship, and lead the recovery efforts from the front.

In particular, I pay tribute to the Chairman’s strong commitment to valuing human life.

Collapsed houses can be rebuilt, broken bridges can be restored, and fallen rice plants can be stood up again, but human life can never be restored and is an absolute value that cannot be exchanged for anything.

Protecting the lives and safety of our 80 million compatriots is the most fundamental duty we must uphold no matter what challenges and difficulties we face.

Although it is regrettable that we cannot help each other in these precarious times, as compatriots, we will support each other in spirit and overcome this together.

I sincerely hope that all the difficulties of the northern compatriots will be overcome as soon as possible, as the Chairman wishes.

I wish the Chairman and your family good health always.

September 8, 2020

Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea