President Moon: "Neighbor's Safety Is My Safety, Preparing for a New Era"

Chuseok Greeting Video Message with First Lady Kim Jeong-suk... First Lady Kim Jeong-suk: "If Our Hearts Are Together, the Next Holiday Will Bring Double the Joy"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "Now we are preparing for a new era by confirming that the safety of our ‘neighbors’ is the safety of ‘ourselves.’"

President Moon Jae-in said this in a Chuseok greeting video message posted on social networking service (SNS) on the 30th. President Moon, along with First Lady Kim Jung-sook, delivered a message regarding the Chuseok holiday during the era of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

President Moon said, "We are facing Chuseok in difficult times. Today, my wife and I are together asking about the well-being of each and every citizen," adding, "We are a people who find joy in meeting. Good things double when we meet, and sad things are halved when we share them together."

President Moon said, "Many people have postponed meetings, but ordinary and precious days will surely return to us," and added, "As much as we hold deep longing, the hearts that cherish and worry for each other will also grow stronger. Even if it is not as good as usual, I hope you have a happy Chuseok with the hope that tomorrow will be better than today."

President Moon expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for enduring inconveniences in your respective places. Thanks to that, we are all gradually regaining our daily lives," and continued, "It is very unfortunate that some who could not regain their health have left us," adding, "I send my condolences to those we could not protect, their bereaved families, and those fighting illness."

In particular, President Moon emphasized, "I deeply thank each and every citizen who thinks of their neighbors first, the medical staff and quarantine workers dedicated to public health, and the police and firefighters who continue to protect the holidays without change."

President Moon pledged, "The government will succeed in quarantine and protect the economy, and will surely repay the citizens who have endured difficulties," adding, "We will further strengthen the social safety net, cherish each individual’s dreams, and move toward mutual prosperity."

First Lady Kim Jung-sook said, "The full moon will rise in the yard of our hometown houses, in the apartment parking lots, and in our hearts as well. Wherever you are now, as long as our hearts are together, the joy will be doubled at the next holiday."

First Lady Kim urged, "During Chuseok, I hope your body and mind are both at peace, and that you nurture health and hope day by day."