The "National Appointment Ceremony" of President Lee Jae-myung, held at Gwanghwamun Square on Liberation Day, was successfully conducted in a festive atmosphere.
On the evening of the 15th, at 8 PM on Liberation Day, Gwanghwamun Square transformed into a festival site for President Lee Jae-myung's "National Appointment Ceremony." This event served as a de facto official inauguration ceremony, replacing the abbreviated oath-taking ceremony held during his first 72 days in office.
**De Facto Official Inauguration Ceremony**
The event lasted over 100 minutes and was attended by influential political and business figures, as well as 10,000 ordinary citizens. Outside the venue, many citizens gathered to celebrate together.
The venue sparkled even more with vibrant performances.
Performances by pro-Democratic Party artists such as Lee Eun-mi and Lee Seung-hwan, along with a traditional music troupe and cheerleading team, were held, while a dazzling drone show illuminated the summer night sky, captivating the attendees.
Former President Moon Jae-in was the only former president to attend, and the late President Roh Moo-hyun's wife, Kwon Yang-sook, was also present.
However, the absence of former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak, among others, drew criticism, with some suggesting the event leaned towards the ruling party.
**Business Leaders in Attendance, President Lee Promises Support for Business Growth**
The event attracted significant attention with attendance from the leaders of the country's top ten conglomerates.
Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman and Federation of Korean Industries Chair Choi Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin, HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn, GS Group Chairman Huh Tae-soo, Korean Air Group Chairman Cho Won-tae, and Shinsegae Chairman Chung Yong-jin were among the economic leaders present.
After receiving appointment letters from 80 representatives of the citizens, President Lee delivered a special message to business leaders during his gratitude remarks.
President Lee stated, "I will steadfastly support entrepreneurs who respond to challenges and turn crises into opportunities, allowing them to grow freely and compete confidently on the world stage, and I will ensure that scientists preparing the country's future can dedicate themselves solely to innovation."
The highlight of the event was when the 80 pre-selected representatives of the public presented appointment letters to President Lee.
Those on stage included Mok Jang-gyun, born in 1945, a member of the Korean Nursing Corps in Germany, Lee Jin-an, a participant in Korea's first semiconductor development, Park Hang-seo, the head coach of the World Cup national team, Go Jeong-hwan, a senior researcher at Korea Aerospace Research Institute who participated in the Naro rocket development, Kim Yoo-won, the head of Naver Cloud, and Yoo Young-sang, the head of SK Telecom, each placing their individually written appointment letters on a prepared structure.
Subsequently, Lee Yeon-soo, representing the 80 individuals, personally handed the appointment letter to President Lee.
**President Lee Jae-myung Promises to Return Pride to the People's Happiness**
In his speech, President Lee expressed, "I am infinitely proud to have been appointed as President of the Republic of Korea" and vowed, "I will surely return this pride as joy and happiness to the people."
He added, "I will earnestly embrace the wishes of children who hope their beloved school will not disappear and the hopes of the elderly who wish for our village to be filled with children, leading us towards a 'country where everyone lives well together.'"
He also stated, "I will do my utmost to ensure that the heartfelt wishes of the residents of the ‘Freedom Village’ in Paju and the tears of families of victims from disasters, who say there should be no more unfair deaths, blossom into a 'peaceful and safe country.'"
On this day, President Lee wore a white tie. Press Secretary Kang Yu-jeong explained that the white tie symbolizes "an intention to embrace everything like blank paper and start anew."
Image Source: President Lee Jae-myung receives the appointment letters from the 80 representatives of the citizens at the "80 Years of Liberation, Building the Future with National Sovereignty" 21st Presidential National Appointment Ceremony held at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 15th / News1, singer Lee Eun-mi performing at the Presidential National Appointment Ceremony / News1, coach Park Hang-seo holding the citizens' appointment letter / News1, President Lee Jae-myung attaching the appointment letter he received from the citizens / News1.
