President Park Geun-hye sent a New Year’s greetings to Chinese Internet users by means of a video on January 3. In the clip, she said, “I hope that Korea and China will become neighbors who are closer than ever.”

The message came after she received a video recording dated January 1 from the People’s Daily (人民網), a mainland Chinese daily, in which a group of Chinese readers sent messages to the Korean leader.



“I was greatly impressed when I heard the New Year’s wishes and greetings being sent to me from across China,” said the president.

“I could feel the messages came from the bottom of your hearts, and I could feel your friendship toward our nation. I got even more convinced that your support and love for our nation will bring the two countries closer and will take our bilateral ties to a new level,” she added.

The president didn’t miss taking advantage of the opportunity to thank the Chinese audience that enjoyed her autobiography, “Steeled by Despair, Motivated by Hope.” She said, “I’ve heard that many Chinese were deeply moved by my book. I really appreciate that.”

She also stressed that the bilateral relationship between Korea and China is on better terms nowadays than ever before.

“We welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit to Korea and we also struck the Korea-China free trade agreement (FTA) last year, a breakthrough agreement that will facilitate more than USD 300 billion in trade between the two countries,” she said.

“My hope is that there will be a rise in the number of people coming in and out of both countries, and that the two peoples will have a better understanding of each country and each other's different cultures. This will help contribute to establishing peace and security across Northeast Asia, as well as achieving global development.”

The president wrapped up her New Year’s message by saying, “I wish you all a very happy New Year and I hope all your wishes and dreams will come true this year.”

She then said in Mandarin, “新年快樂 萬事如意,” in her effort to wish all Chinese netizens a happy New Year.



To watch the two video clips, please find the links below. The first is President Park Geun-hye's New Year's message to Chinese netizens. The second is some Chinese people's messages for President Park.

1) http://kr.people.com.cn/n/2015/0102/c203278-8830779.html  
2) http://kr.people.com.cn/n/2015/0102/c203281-8830778.html  

By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: The People’s Daily
jiae5853@korea.kr