President Lee and First Lady Make Surprise Visit to Yeonseo Market in Eunpyeong-gu: "Glad to See the Market Revitalized by Consumption Coupon"

After Watching "Independence Army" in Yongsan, President Lee Visits Market
Asks Merchants About the Impact of Consumption Coupons
First Lady Kim Hyekyung Purchases Pajamas and Groceries for President Lee with Onnuri Gift Certificates
Lawmak

President Lee Jaemyung and the First Lady visited a movie theater in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where they watched the film "Independence Army," which depicts the life of General Hong Beomdo, together with approximately 150 citizens. Afterward, they made a surprise visit to Yeonseo Market in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, where they asked merchants about the perceived effects of the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon and offered words of encouragement.

As of midnight on August 13, the number of first-round applicants for the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon reached 48.93 million. This figure represents 96.7% of all eligible citizens, with the total amount distributed amounting to 8.8619 trillion won.

On August 17, Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, stated in a written briefing that President Lee and the First Lady were accompanied on their market visit by Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong-gu, as well as Democratic Party lawmakers Park Joomin and Kim Wooyoung. According to Kang, merchants and residents at the market warmly welcomed the presidential couple with applause and smiles. Kang also shared that President Lee paused to attentively listen when a man he encountered at the market raised the issue of establishing a school for people with disabilities in Eunpyeong-gu.

President Lee visited an underwear shop to ask about the impact of the consumption coupon. The shop owner, who said their family had run the business in the market for 50 years, replied that the coupon had been quite effective. At a corn vendor where President Lee made a purchase, a young merchant greeted the President and First Lady enthusiastically, saying, "My father is a fan of yours, but he’s not answering the phone when I try to tell him you’re here," which brought laughter to the presidential couple.

Kang added, "While touring the market, many merchants eagerly offered President Lee and the First Lady samples of various foods." She continued, "President Lee personally purchased sundae, tteokbokki, fried snacks, and rice cakes, sharing them with First Lady Kim Hye-kyung and staff from the Presidential Office."

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung used Onnuri gift certificates to buy President Lee’s pajamas and slippers, as well as daily necessities and pork for side dishes. The owner of a sundae shop, who has been running the business since her twenties and is now in her eighties, proudly shared that her shop had been designated a 'century-old store.' She also thanked the President, saying that sales had increased significantly thanks to the Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon.

President Lee responded with a smile, saying, "My wife already spent both her coupon and mine at Gyeyangsan Market in Incheon. I’m glad to hear that the consumption coupon is revitalizing the markets. The nation’s economy depends on the well-being of small business owners and the self-employed."

Meanwhile, spokesperson Kang noted, "President Lee asked whether there were any areas in Eunpyeong-gu affected by flooding and inquired about the progress of recovery efforts, urging Mayor Kim Mikyung to keep a close watch on the situation."