On Lunar New Year, Video Calls with 8 Citizens via FaceTalk... Actor Ryu Jun-yeol Also Talks with Fitness Trainer Yang Chi-seung and Others
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "I hope you continue to spread good deeds widely in society." President Moon Jae-in said this to Father Ahn Gwang-hoon, who participated in the 'Video Call with the People' on the 11th. President Moon conducted video calls using FaceTalk with eight citizens to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday. Father Ahn Gwang-hoon is a foreign missionary from New Zealand who came to Korea in his twenties and engaged in activities to help the underprivileged in society.
He is in his 80s by Korean age and was granted South Korean citizenship last year in recognition of his dedication to the poor movement and other causes. President Moon said, "Congratulations on acquiring Korean citizenship as a special contributor last September. You came from New Zealand, and through you as a priest, the two countries have grown closer and the hearts of the people have connected more."
Father Ahn said, "As we welcome the New Year, I hope all citizens have a new mindset, gain new strength, and work together hand in hand on equal footing. I pray that there will be no hierarchy, no wealth gap, and that men and women, young and old, can be equal."
President Moon said, "Lunar New Year is the happiest holiday when families gather, but now we can only share our hearts and cannot meet each other," adding, "We will strive to overcome COVID-19 as soon as possible so that we can joyfully meet again."
President Moon had a conversation with actor Ryu Jun-yeol on the topic of environmental issues.
President Moon asked, "In 2019, we walked the DMZ Peace Trail together. I've seen your activities such as the Battle of Bongodong. Recently, the ‘Yongginae Challenge,’ where people bring their own containers to the supermarket to reduce plastic use, has become a hot topic. Is there a motivation behind leading this?"
Ryu Jun-yeol replied, "When shopping, I noticed that too many plastic containers were being used, which made me think about how to change this. That's how the Yongginae campaign started," adding, "Yesterday, I saw the President carrying a shopping basket to Soraepogu and bringing plastic containers to fill up."
Ryu Jun-yeol said, "The President's efforts toward carbon neutrality by 2050 have been a great encouragement," and expressed his hope, "During last year's pandemic, everyone worked hard and Korea became a model for advanced quarantine worldwide. Similarly, I hope Korea will take the lead and make a good first step in environmental protection."
President Moon also had a conversation with health trainer Director Yang Chi-seung on topics including COVID-19. President Moon said, "I saw on a TV variety show how you overcame the crisis by selling tteokbokki when you couldn't operate your gym due to quarantine measures. Small business owners and self-employed people must have deeply sympathized with that."
Director Yang Chi-seung said, "Because of COVID-19, not only self-employed people but also those working in large companies are all struggling. We had to completely close our doors due to quarantine measures, so it was tough," adding, "Rather than giving up because it's hard, I think about how to wisely overcome this situation... It's difficult, but we have to endure it with a smile."
Director Yang said, "I am also a self-employed person and a small business owner on the front lines. Everyone is having a hard time now," and added, "At times like this, we need to take care of the people around us and wisely step forward one by one. I also hope to stay strong, work hard, smile, and live happily."
President Moon said, "Self-employed people should not lose hope and keep trying, but the government will also make many efforts to ease their difficulties," and added, "If we finish the Lunar New Year holiday well, won't it be possible to have more flexible business hours as you wish? I hope we can work together."
President Moon also had conversations with national team female soccer player Ji So-yeon, actress Lee So-byeol, and elementary school graduates Kang Bo-reum, Shin Seung-ok, and Kim Ye-ji, who became known for their COVID-19 good deeds.
Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok explained, "Today's call was originally scheduled for 30 minutes starting at 10 a.m., but it was conducted for 60 minutes starting at 9:55 a.m. This video call utilized the FaceTalk feature of KakaoTalk, a messenger widely used by our citizens."
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