Prime Minister Chung Hongwon (second from right) and representatives from related organizations came together in the Sejong Hall of the Sejong Arts Center to participate in the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion’s campaign on March 12, 2014. With him stand (front row, right to left): Chairman of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion Han Gwang-ok; the prime minister; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Hyun Oh-seok; and, Minister of Unification Ryoo Kihl-jae. (photo: Jeon Han)
Government representatives, seven religious groups, some 80 civic groups and related organizations made up the more than 1,000 participants in the campaign, which is a part of a larger vision of ”Making a Happy Korea Together.” The key slogan of the campaign is, “We are Korean.” The campaign aims to resolve social discord though the restoration of civil order and the use of manners and politeness, all while showing respect and consideration for others, ultimately making a nation where the people are generally happy.
“When we maintain a proper code of conduct in everyday life, and practice the virtues of kindness and sharing with others, we can rid our society of unnecessary conflict and proceed along the path of becoming united compatriots”, said President Park Geun-hye in a video message. “The ‘Small Actions Lead to Great Satisfaction’ campaign starts on a small-scale, with self-motivation and drive, extending toward the do-it-together group action movement which will serve as the fundamental groundwork of consolidating our people.”
Prime Minister Chung Hongwon gives a congratulatory speech during the launch of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion’s ”Small Actions Lead to Great Satisfaction” campaign on March 12, 2014. (photo: Jeon Han)
Prime Minister Chung Hongwon said, “If a happy society is a neighborly community, fundamental unity starts with communication, respect, consideration for others and a sharing spirit,” and emphasized that, “We should start by taking action on the trivial tasks around us.” In that context, he added that, “Maintaining civil order and basic manners, getting rid of the four types of social evils, such as school violence, and refraining from using abusive and blunt language are practical tasks, required now.”
A group photo at the launch ceremony of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion’s "Small Actions Lead to Great Satisfaction” campaign on March 12, 2014. (photo: Jeon Han)
In the opening speech, Han Gwang-ok, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion, said that, “Through this campaign we will likely discover a proud Korea which has been unknown or forgotten, while reforming the shameful reality on the other dark side of our society. Hopefully, this launch ceremony today will help ignite a nationwide ‘Small Actions Lead to Great Satisfaction’ movement via civic groups, religious groups, related organizations and local governments, groups that are closely connected with the people.”
Chairman Han asked the goodwill ambassadors to actively participate and contribute to spreading the culture of unity under the slogan, ”Together, Korea!” in each of their professions. He also claimed that, “Your small actions will lead to civic empowerment and help us move toward social cohesion and an integrated society.”
Chairman Han Gwang-ok (third from left) and goodwill ambassadors pose for a group photo at the launch ceremony of the Presidential Committee for National Cohesion’s”Small Actions Lead to Great Satisfaction” campaign on March 12, 2014. (photo: Jeon Han)
As one of the goodwill ambassadors, gugak starlet Song So-hee expressed her hopes that gugak will become a medium that transcends common emotions across the generations, and that it will serve as an opportunity to resolve disaccord and spread a culture of solidarity.
“I will try to draw the people closer together though gugak, to communicate and generate common emotions, while continuing to strive so that we are all better people.”
Jeon Han, Paik Hyun
Korea.net Staff Writers
hanjeon@korea.kr