Lunch Invitation for Former Minister-Level Figures Including Lee Nak-yeon and Chung Sye-kyun
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 20th, President Moon Jae-in held a luncheon with former prime ministers Lee Nak-yeon and Chung Sye-kyun, as well as other former minister-level officials, and evaluated that over the past five years, "we have successfully overcome crises and created opportunities for leap forward."
In his opening remarks at the luncheon, President Moon stated, "Throughout our government's term, we faced continuous situations where we had no choice but to work hard."
He cited major crises such as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, the crisis caused by Japan's export restrictions, the global COVID-19 crisis, followed by supply chain disruptions, and the energy and inflation crisis due to the Ukraine war, emphasizing, "We created opportunities amid crises, made a leap forward, and finally received objective recognition as a leading country."
He then praised the luncheon attendees, saying, "This was all thanks to your dedication as one body." The luncheon was attended by former Prime Ministers Lee and Chung, former cabinet members, presidential advisory bodies, and chairpersons of presidential committees.
President Moon emphasized, "Our government focused more on diplomacy than any previous administration," adding, "When meeting or speaking with foreign leaders, South Korea received much praise."
He continued, "At first, we were praised for being a government born from the 'Candlelight Revolution,'" and explained, "Even in countries with developed democracies, there were crises such as extremism, populism, far-right movements, and fake news, but our country was highly praised for the people stepping forward with peaceful candlelight rallies, the National Assembly's impeachment motion, and the Constitutional Court's acceptance of the impeachment, achieving a lawful regime change and reviving democracy."
He also explained that South Korea received "praise for quarantine" by effectively suppressing the initial spread of COVID-19. Mentioning that no lockdown measures were ever implemented during the management of COVID-19, he stated, "This is an achievement made by the people."
President Moon evaluated, "In 2020, while major countries experienced negative growth, we performed well," and said, "We also received praise in terms of the 'economy.'"
He further emphasized, "Foreign leaders highly appreciate not only modern popular culture such as K-pop by BTS and Blackpink, and K-culture like 'Parasite' and 'Squid Game,' but also our prominence in classical music and ballet, which have long traditions in Europe," highlighting that South Korea is also praised in the cultural field.
Regarding his post-presidency plans, President Moon said, "Not making plans after retirement is a plan," and explained, "I said I would live a forgotten life, but that does not mean I will live in seclusion; it means I will live as an ordinary citizen without engaging in active politics."
In response, former Prime Minister Lee said, "The past five years were a history of leap and maturity, with significant growth in various fields, and a period in which South Korea achieved many things it had challenged but not reached before."
Former Prime Minister Lee evaluated, "Although there are many regrets regarding the Korean Peninsula peace process, during your term, you held three summits, used Panmunjom twice as the venue for talks, delivered a speech at the May Day Stadium, and the North and South Korean leaders climbed Mount Baekdu together, which wrote a new history."
Former Prime Minister Chung stated, "President Moon Jae-in took charge of state affairs amid difficulties and did his best to overcome crises, striving to turn crises into opportunities. Our government did its best and achieved results. Our government will become a shining government as time passes."
President Moon concluded the luncheon with a greeting, saying, "Thank you for being with me until the very last moment."
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