Commemorative Photo with National Assembly Cleaning Workers After Inauguration Oath
"Moved by Their Crouched Posture"... Netizens React Strongly
President Lee's Family Story Also Draws Attention
President Lee Jae Myung's first official greeting was directed toward the National Assembly's cleaning workers and security staff. Immediately after completing the oath of office for the 21st presidency on the 4th, President Lee moved straight to the first floor of the main building of the National Assembly and personally visited the cleaning workers and security staff to express his gratitude.
The presidential office stated, "During the 12·3 insurrection, it was the security staff who stood at the forefront to block the martial law troops from invading the National Assembly, and it was the cleaning workers who restored order to the chaotic hall of the people's representatives." The office added, "This gesture signifies a commitment to never forget the dedication of the National Assembly workers who quietly remain at their posts to protect democracy in this country, even in places where their efforts are not always visible."
President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Kim Hye Kyung are taking a commemorative photo with cleaning workers after completing the 21st presidential inauguration oath at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 4th. Photo by Yonhap News
On this day, President Lee shook hands with each staff member and bowed as he said, "Thank you." The staff responded with remarks such as "Congratulations," "I'm a fan," and "Go President," while some cleaning workers were moved to tears. Immediately after exchanging greetings, President Lee agreed to the staff's request for a commemorative photo.
During the photo session, President Lee created a warm atmosphere by making finger hearts with the cleaning workers, which became a topic of conversation. The posture of President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye Kyung also drew attention. On this day, President Lee and First Lady Kim crouched in the front row so that the cleaning workers would appear in the photo. Notably, despite wearing an H-line skirt and heels, First Lady Kim adjusted her posture and even supported her right hand making a finger heart with her left hand.
The story of President Lee's family also attracted attention. President Lee's younger sister, who worked as a cleaning worker, passed away in 2014. In the past, President Lee tearfully shared, "Even after I was re-elected as mayor of Seongnam, my sister continued delivering Yakult, and after my re-election, she changed jobs to become a cleaning worker but died from overwork in a restroom early in the morning. My heart aches because I couldn't help her." President Lee's second eldest brother also worked for a cleaning company, and his younger brother is also known to be a cleaning worker.
The photo was widely shared across various online communities, generating a strong response. Netizens commented, "Seeing them crouch for the photo makes me emotional for no reason," "It's wonderful to see them taking photos and chatting at eye level," "It's meaningful that this was the first place he visited after the inauguration," "He must have thought of his younger sister a lot," and "I hope he continues to approach state affairs with this attitude."
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