(Unofficial Translation) Jeonju has declared itself “a layoff-free city.” It is a mutually beneficial declaration made through a grand compromise among local labor, management, civic groups and government to protect jobs. Businesses promised to make efforts to maintain employment levels. The local gov...

Apr 22, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) There is no tomorrow without today. The first and also second most important thing is overcoming this national crisis. Only when we protect the people’s lives and revive the economy will we then have our next opportunity. I believe that the will of the people – manifested through...

Apr 20, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) “We are all invaluable to one another.” A path that is easy for people with disabilities to walk on is also easy for people without disabilities. In a world where people with disabilities can lead their daily lives to the fullest without inconveniences, the lives of people wit...

Apr 20, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Fellow Koreans, April 19 Revolution national merit honorees and bereaved relatives, Today marks the 60th anniversary of the April 19 Revolution. It was the day when passionate aspirations – more fervent than life itself – implanted democracy deep in our hearts. Fierce resis...

Apr 19, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) “The children on the ferry Sewol have bequeathed us ‘empathy.’” A considerable number of our relatives and neighbors have passed away due to COVID-19, but I have not been able to convey my condolences for every single one of those departed. Up until just several da...

Apr 16, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Thank you, Honorable Chair. It has been a very productive meeting, as we have discussed various cooperative measures to combat the COVID-19 crisis. You have all emphasized the need for closer cooperation not just within ASEAN+3 but in the international community as a whole. I find...

Apr 14, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) I would like to thank the Secretary-General and the Director-General for their briefing and the leaders for their valuable insights. In the course of responding to COVID-19, the Republic of Korea has consistently adhered to the three principles of openness, transparency and democracy. ...

Apr 14, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Honorable Chair, Excellencies, I would like to thank His Excellency Prime Minister Phuc for his leadership in convening this special virtual summit. I believe it is truly meaningful that we are having this meeting in such an exceptional format, at a time when extraordinary cooperati...

Apr 14, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) We will create “new hope” to return to the “new normal.” We mark an Easter when hope is especially needed. Many churches provided minimal services, and Christians celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ in their homes. I am grateful to Korean churches and congregations for practicing ...

Apr 12, 2020

(Unofficial Translation) Fellow Koreans, descendants of the Provisional Government’s leading figures and members of the “Heritage of Korean Independence" (formerly Korea Liberation Association), The Provisional Republic of Korea Government is the root of what we are today and the Republic of Korea&rs...

Apr 11, 2020