'Deokchi·Taepyeongseongdae' Phoenix Surrounds Presidential Office Building... Mugunghwa Placed at Center of Building Symbolizing 'Eternal Prosperity'
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office unveiled a new symbol system (CI) on the 23rd, just over five months after President Yoon Seok-yeol's inauguration and the relocation of the office.
The newly revealed Presidential Office CI features a phoenix symbolizing the president and the national flower, the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon), arranged at the Yongsan Presidential Office building.
Lee Jae-myung, Deputy Spokesperson of the Presidential Office, explained during a briefing that the image of the mythical phoenix, symbolizing virtue and a peaceful era, embracing the Presidential Office building represents a wish for freedom and peace in the Republic of Korea through stability and harmony.
He added that it also signifies the Presidential Office's commitment to uphold the will of the people and dedicate itself to achieving a peaceful and prosperous era.
As for the Mugunghwa, which means a flower that blooms eternally without withering, it is placed at the center of the Presidential Office building. This symbolizes the heart of the Presidential Office serving the people and the hope for the everlasting prosperity of the Republic of Korea.
The font used in the Presidential Office CI is the "Government of the Republic of Korea Symbol Typeface," jointly used by government organizations. This typeface modernizes the original Hangeul creation font from the Hunminjeongeum Haerye, reflecting King Sejong's wish for communication with the people.
The Presidential Office emphasized that by using the original Hangeul creation font, it intended to convey the meaning of communication with the people while maintaining consistency with other government agency symbols.
The new symbol system will undergo final manual work to determine usage regulations such as size and color, and will be officially used starting next month. The new CI will be widely applied to the Presidential Office website, internal and external promotional materials, and souvenirs.
After the briefing, a Presidential Office official, when asked about the CI production process and President Yoon's reaction, said, "We held multiple consultations and discussions with professional firms, reviewed various proposals, and made the final decision through internal deliberations. Although I have not heard of any specific opinions from President Yoon, sufficient discussions took place internally, and the CI reflects diverse opinions, including those of the president."
Regarding whether the name "Presidential Office" will continue to be used, the official said, "Since it is a name that will be used for a very long time, it should not be decided hastily. The statement that we will take time and observe until a suitable name naturally emerges remains valid. Given the current situation, rather than rushing, we thought it best to first produce the CI under the name Yongsan Presidential Office and make efforts to approach the people closely."
In response to President Yoon's inauguration and the start of the Yongsan Presidential Office era, the Presidential Office formed a New Name Committee and launched a naming contest, selecting five final candidates. However, considering negative public opinion on the final candidates in June, the committee ultimately decided not to recommend a new name.
Kang In-sun, then spokesperson of the Presidential Office (currently Overseas Public Relations Secretary and Foreign Press Spokesperson), said during the briefing, "Considering the 60-year precedent of the Blue House, once a name is decided, it must be used for a long time. Therefore, rather than a hasty decision, the committee decided to take more time until a suitable name naturally emerges."
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