Nationwide Invitation of Over 360 Children and Families
"Meeting Children Is an Exciting Event"
President Yoon Suk-yeol is attending the Children's Day invitation event held at Yeonmugwan, the Blue House, on the 5th, watching the 'Bubble Magic Show' performance together with the invited children. [Image source=Yonhap News]
"Grandfather also eagerly awaited Children's Day when he was your age. Today is your day."
President Yoon Suk-yeol held a commemorative event on the 5th at the Cheongwadae Yeonmugwan, inviting about 360 children and their families from across the country to celebrate the 102nd Children's Day.
In his greeting, President Yoon said, "Meeting children is always an exciting occasion," and expressed gratitude to parents, teachers, and facility workers who strive to help children grow up bright and healthy.
As President Yoon entered the Cheongwadae Yeonmugwan, many children gathered around him. He shook hands and warmly greeted each approaching child.
About 360 children and their families were invited to the Children's Day event, including children from childcare facilities and foster care, children living in rural and island areas, children with disabilities, children from multicultural families, families with many children, as well as students from Neulbom School, where the president volunteered as a special instructor, and children of fallen and deceased military and police officers whom he met through the Heroes Family program.
President Yoon experienced making 'air-purifying plant frames' with the children and watched a bubble magic show together. During the air-purifying plant frame activity, President Yoon was joined by two students he met in March at Neulbom School in Oryong Elementary School, Muan, Jeollanam-do, and a child from the Heroes Family who entered holding the president’s hand at last year’s opening event of Yongsan Children's Garden, continuing his meeting with the children, according to a written briefing by presidential spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung.
Yoon Encourages Family with 10 Siblings in Uiryeong
Next, President Yoon expressed his pleasure in meeting a family with 10 siblings from Uiryeong County, Gyeongsangnam-do. He greeted each of the 10 siblings, from the eldest university student to the youngest in a stroller, shook hands, and signed their hats. To the parents of the 10 siblings, he said, "I remember seeing a story on TV about how the older sisters and brothers take care of their younger siblings," encouraging them with a handshake.
After the viewing, President Yoon moved to the stage set up in the center and watched the bubble magic show with the children. He looked on fondly as the children enjoyed the performance and even invited a child to sit on his lap and spoke to them.
In his closing remarks, President Yoon encouraged the children, saying, "We will support children to have big dreams and grow up healthy." He also emphasized, "Children's Day should be all year round, but today we celebrate with a special event to express adults' wishes for children to grow up healthy."
"Children of Fallen and Deceased Military and Police Officers and Neulbom School Students Attend"
The children visiting the Cheongwadae Yeonmugwan were welcomed by a military band as they entered. The children participated in play-type programs such as acrylic graffiti and bubble making, as well as educational programs prepared by various ministries, including making healthy snacks, creating air-purifying plant frames, making AI companion pets, experiencing pet grooming, forensic science and traffic safety experiences, and fire safety training.
When President Yoon asked, "Did you find many fun things at the Yeonmugwan event?" the children answered loudly, "Yes." President Yoon said, "Grandfather the president will work hard to support you so you can freely nurture your dreams and hopes and grow strong. Fighting, children! Stay healthy," and made hand-heart gestures with the children while taking a group photo.
Additionally, the children participated in a participatory performance activity playing recycled instruments and enjoyed lunch together at the Cheongwadae Guesthouse. Attendees were given gifts such as colored pencils, coloring books, and casual watches from the presidential office.
First Lady Kim Geon-hee, Who Attended Last Year, Absent This Year
President Yoon Suk-yeol is attending the Children's Day invitation event held at Yeonmugwan, the Blue House, on the 5th, taking commemorative photos with children. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Meanwhile, First Lady Kim Geon-hee did not appear at this year's event. Last year, she invited students from the National Seoul School for the Blind, who attended the March entrance ceremony, and children of fallen and deceased military and police officers she met in April to the Children's Day event at Cheongwadae. The presidential couple participated in experiential activities such as cookie making with children on last year's Children's Day.
There had been speculation that First Lady Kim would resume public appearances around Children's Day, but she did not attend this year. The Democratic Party of Korea has announced plans to propose a 'Special Prosecutor Act for the First Lady' in the 22nd National Assembly, and the presidential office is working to revitalize the atmosphere after the general election defeat, so it is understood that there is ongoing deliberation about the timing of the First Lady's public appearances.
First Lady Kim, who had not appeared in public since the state visit to the Netherlands in December last year, had a private schedule with the spouse of Angolan President Jo?o Louren?o during his official visit to Korea on the 30th of last month. Previously, she also had only private engagements with the spouse of the Romanian president when the Romanian president visited Korea officially with his spouse on the 23rd of last month.
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