[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] President Moon Jae-in, in his farewell speech on the last day of his term, advised the next Yoon Suk-yeol administration that "when it moves forward on the path of national unity by bridging the deeper divisions that arose during the election process, it will advance more vigorously on the path to true success."
In a national address held at the Blue House main building on the 9th, President Moon said, "I hope the history of a successful Republic of Korea will continue by inheriting and developing the accumulated achievements of previous administrations." In his farewell speech, he expressed pride in accomplishments such as the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue over the past five years and COVID-19 quarantine efforts, and proposed using these as driving forces to move toward the future.
President Moon began his farewell speech by saying, "I lay down the heavy burden as president. Now, I will return to the life of an ordinary citizen and wish happiness for all the people." Regarding inter-Korean relations, he said, "We nurtured hope for a new era of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula," and evaluated, "The reason we could not move forward further was not solely due to a lack of our will and efforts. There were barriers that were difficult to overcome with our will alone." He added, "Peace is a condition for our survival and prosperity. I earnestly hope that efforts to resume dialogue between the North and South and to institutionalize denuclearization and peace will continue."
Regarding his message to the people, President Moon said, "The Republic of Korea is truly a ‘nation of great people’ recognized and envied by the world. I hope we all take pride confidently in our elevated national dignity as great citizens."
President Moon emphasized, "I am very proud to have accompanied the history of a successful Republic of Korea together with the great people," and "It was truly an honor to be with the great people. I will cheer for the history of a successful Republic of Korea."
However, in his speech that day, President Moon did not mention fairness issues such as real estate problems and the former Minister Cho Kuk scandal, which had drawn criticism from the public. Accordingly, some in the political sphere criticized the speech as self-praise that failed to resonate with the people.
President Moon’s term ends at midnight on this day. At 6 p.m., he will leave the Blue House for the last time, escorted by Blue House staff. After leaving, he will move to an undisclosed location in Seoul and exercise military command authority through a hotline connected to the Ministry of National Defense until midnight on the 10th. The next day, after attending the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Yoon, he will arrive at Seoul Station Plaza at noon, take the KTX, get off at Ulsan Tongdosa Station around 2:30 p.m., and arrive at his residence in Pyeongsan Village, Jisan-ri, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongnam around 3 p.m.
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