'KOSPI Surpasses 3,500' President Lee: "Trend Won't Change"... On Long Holiday, "No Real Days Off for Public Officials"

President Lee Presides Over Senior Secretaries and Aides Meeting
"Many abnormal situations are returning to normal; the stock market rally is driven by that strength"
"You should get some rest too?'officially'"
"Being a public official is originally a 24-hour job"

President Lee Jaemyung stated, "Today, the KOSPI surpassed the 3,500 mark for the first time in history. I don't think this trend will change easily."

Yonhap News Agency

On October 2, during a meeting with senior secretaries and aides at the presidential office in Yongsan, President Lee made these remarks and added, "The people are regaining hope and are ready to start anew. Many abnormal situations are returning to normal. The stock market rally seems to be driven by that strength."

President Lee continued, "If public officials prepare thoroughly and do their best in systems, policies, and administration to ensure we do not revert to abnormality and continue moving forward, we can make further progress. We must work to ensure that the warmth of economic recovery reaches every corner of people’s lives so that everyone can benefit."

Regarding the Chuseok holiday, President Lee officially announced that he would take annual leave and rest. He said, "Starting tomorrow, if you include the 'sandwich day' on the 10th, a long ten-day holiday begins. I also plan to take annual leave on the sandwich day and officially rest," he said.

At this, senior secretaries and aides laughed, saying, "Officially, you say?" President Lee replied with a smile, "Rest is rest. Even just not coming to work in the morning is something. You should get some rest too-officially." The aides laughed even louder, and President Lee added, "Of course, we rest officially. But we must remain on emergency standby. Honestly, for public officials, is there really such a thing as vacation or holidays?"

President Lee went on, "Originally, this is a 24-hour job. Being a public official means you can jump up even from sleep. That’s what public service is. Your reactions seem like you’re resisting with laughter," he joked. He then said again, "Still, take some rest. Even just not coming to work is something." The scenes of President Lee and his staff were all broadcast live to the public.

As the laughter in the meeting subsided, President Lee, as the nation’s top leader, reiterated his determination to move forward unwaveringly for a better life for the people, trusting and working together with them. He said, "The environment surrounding us is not easy, and there are many difficulties, but I believe that with the great resilience of our people, who have overcome countless adversities, we can easily overcome this as well."

Finally, mindful that the meeting was being broadcast live, President Lee said, "To all our citizens, although these are difficult times, I hope you have a joyful and happy Chuseok as you reunite with your families after a long time. Thank you." Meanwhile, before his opening remarks, after completing the national anthem and as he was about to take his seat, President Lee joked, "Why is this chair set so low?" As he bent down to adjust the chair, National Security Office Director Wi Seongrak stood up to help him raise the height, and President Lee commented, "Director Wi takes care of everything."