"Meet Up, Pororo Lee and Pororo Kim"... President Lee Wishes the North a Prosperous New Year

"A day will come when we respect each other and achieve co-existence and co-prosperity"
New Year's message to the North via social media
During state visit to China, requests Chinese mediation for 'peace on the Korean Peninsula'

President Lee Jaemyung, after completing his state visit to China, remarked, "Someday, the abnormality of chaos and hostility on the Korean Peninsula will be overcome, and a day will come when we respect each other and achieve co-existence and co-prosperity."

On January 7, President Lee posted this message on the social media platform X, adding, "I wish the North a prosperous New Year as well." He also introduced an op-ed titled "Meet Up, Pororo Lee and Pororo Kim," which expresses hope for a meeting between President Lee and North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un, using the joint inter-Korean animated series "Pororo the Little Penguin" as its theme.

Previously, during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Lee proposed that China play a mediating role in resolving peace issues on the Korean Peninsula, including the North Korean nuclear issue. In response, President Xi evaluated the efforts of the South Korean government and advised that more patience is needed.

At a press conference held in Shanghai, President Lee stated, "All channels with North Korea are blocked, trust is at absolute zero, and only hostility remains. Although we are making efforts, communication is completely cut off at present, so I suggested that it would be good for China to act as a mediator for peace." He added, "China said it would make efforts to play a mediating role for now."

President Lee reported that the Chinese side also expressed agreement on the need for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. He emphasized, "It is only natural that China regards peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as matters of great concern, and from the Republic of Korea's perspective, these are clearly crucial issues affecting the survival and development of the nation." President Lee explained that President Xi, while evaluating South Korea's efforts, responded that patience is necessary. He also mentioned that Chinese Premier Li Qiang likewise spoke about the need for patience.