Yoon: "Youth Will Lead the Spread of Saemaeul Undong... We Must Strengthen Global Solidarity"

2023 National Saemaeul Leaders 'Youth's Promise' Proclamation Ceremony

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 12th, "I believe our youth will lead the global expansion of the Saemaul Undong, and I ask the youth to strengthen global solidarity even further."

On the same day, President Yoon attended the 'Youth Promise' proclamation ceremony at the 2023 National Saemaul Leaders Conference held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, and encouraged Saemaul leaders and young Saemaul members, saying, "It is very gratifying that the Saemaul Undong is being carried on by the younger generation."

President Yoon emphasized, "The Saemaul Undong, which once led village improvement and rural innovation, has now developed into a movement driving innovation in cities, workplaces, and industries in a highly industrialized society," adding, "This innovation movement will spread across the globe and elevate the Republic of Korea to a pivotal global nation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The presidential office explained that this proclamation ceremony was organized as a pledge to 'coexistence and integration' for a warm community where everyone prospers together for a happy Korea and the common prosperity of humanity, 'practice and action' for a clean and beautiful Earth in response to the climate crisis, and 'solidarity and cooperation' for world peace and sustainable development, reflecting the noble spirit and values of the Saemaul Undong.

President Yoon awarded the Saemaul Medal to four individuals recognized for their contributions to activities such as the Safe Patrol Team, Love for In-laws, and In-law Outings; five individuals received the Saemaul Decoration for their contributions to managing the Saemaul Library and opening small libraries; and two individuals were honored with the Presidential Citation.

About 7,000 people attended the event, including Kwak Dae-hoon, Chairman of the Saemaul Undong Central Association, chairpersons of metropolitan city and provincial branches nationwide, Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, People Power Party leader Kim Gi-hyeon, floor leader Yoon Jae-ok, Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo, Assemblyman Song Seok-jun, and from the Democratic Party, Assemblyman Kim Tae-nyeon.