[President Yoon's Inauguration] Immigrants, Jige Carriers, and Cheonan Ship Survivors Stand Side by Side with President Yoon

Selection of 20 People with Touching Stories
Reflecting President Yoon's Intention to Represent the People's Will
"Hope He Becomes a True President of the People"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yoon Suk-yeol, inaugurated as the 20th president of South Korea, stood on the stage with 20 'National Hope Representatives' during the inauguration ceremony on the 10th. This was intended to bring the president closer to the people by including representatives from various sectors of society, such as the socially disadvantaged including people with disabilities, immigrants, and civic heroes.

◆How were they selected?= The Inauguration Preparation Committee selected a delegation of about 3,000 representatives over the past month through recommendations from various fields. From these, 20 individuals were chosen to stand on the stage after internal review. Kim Jang-sik, chairman of the National Integration Invitation Committee, explained in a phone interview that day, "We selected the delegation to reflect President Yoon’s intention to embody the will of the people by discovering individuals with moving stories who serve as the light and salt of our society," adding, "Each person represents different regions, generations, and fields."

◆Overcoming disabilities and the 2030 generation= Among the delegation were individuals who have achieved success in their fields despite disabilities. Notably, Kim Na-yoon (29), who lost her left arm in a motorcycle accident and established herself as a fitness athlete. Wearing a hanbok and marching on the day, Kim said, "Everyone is working hard, but I hope this opportunity will actively raise awareness about disabilities and eliminate prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities." She added, "Since young and ordinary people like me stood on the stage, I hope the president will lead a country for the people."

Also included was Choi Sa-ra (19), the youngest member of the South Korean team at the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics. Despite congenital visual impairment, she won two bronze medals at the World Championships in Lillehammer, Norway, in January, establishing herself among the world’s top athletes.

◆Welfare and social contribution= The delegation also included those who contributed to society, such as nurse Song Joo-yeon (47), known for the ‘protective suit hwatu card photo’ taken in a negative pressure ward during the COVID-19 outbreak, and Air Force helicopter pilot Choi Deok-geun (32), who was deployed 22 times to fight wildfires on the east coast. Song said, "During the difficult time of caring for COVID-19 patients, a single photo helped reveal the hard work of nurses to the world, and I think I was selected to the delegation to deliver hope to the people." She added, "As the COVID-19 situation gradually eases and contact with the public increases, I hope this government will move closer to its goal of harmony and integration."

Also on stage were Kim Hyung-gyu (47), leader of the band ‘Icheungbeoseu’ (Second Floor Bus), which aims to provide cochlear implant surgeries to 100 hearing-impaired children, and Kim Sung-min (37), head of ‘Brothers Keeper,’ supporting the independent living of youths aging out of care. Others included Park Mu-geun (73), who has anonymously donated 100 million won annually for 10 years; Im Ki-jong (65), who donated earnings from working as a porter in Seoraksan; and Yuk Ji-seung-gun (9), who led a ‘donation relay’ by donating eggs.

◆Multicultural families= Representatives of multicultural families, including immigrants and naturalized citizens, also drew attention. Cambodian marriage immigrant Park Chae-eun (36) said, "I have lived with my mother-in-law for 12 years since coming to Korea. I was recommended by the Multicultural Family Support Center to stand on the stage." She added, "I was always seen as a ‘foreigner’ in society, but attending the inauguration made me feel treated as a ‘Korean citizen.’" North Korean defector Lee Eun-young (47), who successfully settled in South Korea, and In Dae-wi (50), a fifth-generation naturalized citizen and descendant of independence activists, were also present.

◆Patriotism and heroes= Those representing patriotism and veterans, which President Yoon emphasized since his candidacy with the promise to "never forget those who sacrificed for the country," also attended. Jeon Hwan-soo (32), a survivor of the 2010 Cheonan ship sinking, expressed gratitude, saying, "I appreciate the new government remembering those who sacrificed for the country, including the Cheonan incident." He added, "I hope the public recognizes that because there are people working hard for the country, we can live more safely."

Citizen hero Lee Seung-jin (57), who rescued residents during a large apartment fire in Ulsan, said, "There are many who have done greater things than me, so I feel both humbled and honored to attend the inauguration." He added, "I hope the president becomes a true ‘president of the people,’ not of a specific group, so that citizens can focus on their livelihoods without worrying about politics."