"A Year Marking a Major Turning Point in Korea's History"
"Economic, Political, and Cultural Achievements Built on the Sacrifices and Dedication of Our Seniors"
On December 22, President Lee Jaemyung hosted a luncheon at the Blue House State Guest House, inviting more than 190 executives from the Korean Senior Citizens Association, including regional and local chapter heads from across the country. During the event, he remarked, "This year has been a very important turning point in the history of the Republic of Korea." President Lee stated, "Last year, we narrowly escaped the crisis of regressing into a developing country due to a sudden imposition of martial law, and managed to return to a normal path. The 'Revolution of Light,' which restored popular sovereignty with multicolored cheering sticks, has demonstrated the greatness of Korean democracy to the world."
At the event, held under the theme "The Path Our Seniors Have Walked, The Path We Will Continue," President Lee said, "Every aspect of our nation-economy, people's livelihoods, politics, diplomacy, and national dignity-suffered damage, but thanks to the unity of our people, we were able to recover and normalize faster than expected." He emphasized, "Our economic, political, and cultural achievements were built upon the sacrifices and dedication of our seniors. You were there in the process of building homes and businesses with bare hands on the ruins of war and making democracy blossom."
Additionally, President Lee stated, "In 2025, our Republic of Korea has entered a super-aged society, with the elderly population exceeding 20% of the total population," and added, "Senior policies have now become policies for all citizens."
President Lee introduced that, starting in March next year, the community-based integrated care system will be implemented nationwide, saying, "You will be able to receive integrated medical, nursing, and care services in familiar surroundings where you live." He continued, "We will increase the basic pension and expand senior jobs by 1.15 million positions, and we will also gradually apply health insurance coverage to nursing hospital caregiving costs to ease the caregiving burden."
In response, Lee Joongkeun, President of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, expressed his gratitude for the detailed preparations for the community-based integrated care system since President Lee's inauguration. He also proposed the reinstatement of UN Day as a national holiday. He explained that, in order to remember and carry on the support and sacrifices of the international community during the Korean War, he requested cooperation so that Korea could become the only country in the world to designate UN Day as a public holiday.
Meanwhile, President Lee prepared red bean porridge for the luncheon. He said, "Since it is the end of the year and also the winter solstice, I have specially prepared warm red bean porridge, wishing for the longevity of our seniors."
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