Third Public Appearance After Pardon
Yoon's Evaluation Is "Positive"
Future Schedule Likely to Include Visit to '4 Major Rivers'
Former President Lee Myung-bak positively evaluated President Yoon Suk-yeol on the 15th, calling him a "courageous person."
On the same day, during a walk along Cheonggyecheon with the Seoul city officials' group 'Cheonggyecheon Lovers' (Cheongsamo), who worked together on the Cheonggyecheon restoration project during his tenure as Seoul mayor, Lee said, "Historically, President Yoon is doing well in Korea-Japan relations." This visit marked Lee's third public appearance since his pardon last year.
Lee emphasized, "We need to unite our strength especially in difficult times," adding, "We must enable the president to work effectively."
Cheonggyecheon restoration began in July 2003 and was completed in September 2005, regarded as Lee's "greatest achievement." News of Lee's visit drew dozens of supporters to Cheonggye Plaza. Dressed casually in a purple jumper and white sneakers, Lee spent nearly 10 minutes shaking hands and signing autographs for supporters.
Lee was accompanied by close aides and advisors, including former Special Minister Lee Jae-oh (Standing Advisor of the People Power Party), former Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeong Un-cheon, former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon, former secretary to Lee during his time as Seoul mayor Jo Hae-jin, and former Blue House spokesperson Park Jeong-ha. After the walk, Lee and his aides had lunch in Majang-dong, Seongdong-gu.
Before the walk, Lee told reporters, "I was invited because the officials who participated in restoring Cheonggyecheon gather every year, so I came here reminiscing about those days," adding, "(Cheonggyecheon) is an urban regeneration project that has influenced many major cities worldwide, not just domestically."
Completed over 5km walking trail with a '1-minute rest'
Lee walked approximately 5.8 km from Cheonggye Plaza in front of Dong-A Ilbo to Sindap Cheolgyo in Seongdong-gu. Except for a one-minute break about 40 minutes after starting, he walked continuously for 1 hour and 30 minutes, showing a healthy appearance. Although he occasionally coughed dryly, he maintained a bright expression throughout the walk. As the sun grew stronger near noon, he leisurely put on a cap and sunglasses. When asked about his health, Lee replied, "I am recovering. I am overcoming it with mental strength." Most citizens who spotted Lee near Cheonggyecheon shouted, "Stay healthy!"
Initially, Lee had been granted a suspension of sentence due to health deterioration from diabetes, but recently appeared to have recovered. After being pardoned and reinstated in December last year, he began official activities in March this year by visiting the Cheonan Ship memorial at the National Daejeon Cemetery, and last month, he watched the play Faust starring former Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon.
Throughout the walk, Lee engaged in conversations with accompanying staff. When an official explained the sewage system of Cheonggyecheon, Lee nodded and said, "They did it so meticulously (to prevent flooding). If they hadn't, flooding would have happened repeatedly." He paused under the Cheonggyecheon floodgate 'Ogan Watergate' and carefully read the introduction plaque, describing it as a "historic place." When a citizen cheered, "Thank you for creating Cheonggyecheon, the world's best stream," Lee smiled and responded warmly.
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