Surprise Visit to Yonghyeon Market
Following the "K-Bio, Accelerating Innovation" Forum
On September 5, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson An Gwiryeong announced in a written briefing that President Lee Jaemyung made a surprise visit to Yonghyeon Market in Michuhol District, Incheon, after hosting the forum titled "K-Bio, Accelerating Innovation."
Despite being surprised, merchants and residents welcomed President Lee with applause and smiles. President Lee toured various parts of Yonghyeon Market, listening to updates on meat prices at a butcher shop and observing the market's atmosphere. When a merchant, responding to a question about business conditions, said, "Mr. President, you must be having a hard time," President Lee encouraged them by replying, "You are the ones working even harder."
President Lee stopped by a snack shop, bought freshly boiled sweet potatoes, sundae (Korean blood sausage), and tteokbokki, and shared the food with his companions. While offering the food, President Lee emphasized the importance of reflecting on-site realities in policy, stressing that the economy thrives when small business owners and self-employed individuals are able to prosper.
A snack shop owner at Yonghyeon Market said that although the hot weather has reduced the number of visitors, things have been gradually improving thanks to the livelihood recovery consumption coupons, and expressed hope for further improvement. A side dish shop owner also shared anticipation for the second round of livelihood recovery consumption coupons. A clothing store owner, who had been struggling recently, was moved to tears, saying that President Lee's visit gave them renewed strength. Residents met at the market expressed gratitude for the consumption coupons and appealed for more support for people living in difficult circumstances.
Accompanying President Lee on this visit were Policy Chief Kim Yongbeom, Chief Economic Growth Advisor Ha Junkyung, Yonghyeon Market Merchants Association President Lee Deokjae, and Nam Younghee, head of the Incheon Dong-gu Michuhol-gu-eul regional committee of the Democratic Party of Korea.
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