President Lee Vows Nation Where State, Not Just Parents, Bears Responsibility
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung pledged to create a nation where the state, not just parents, takes responsibility for citizens' well-being.
- He emphasized the importance of supporting parents and ensuring a secure future for children, stating that the nation's prosperity is built on parental dedication.
- The government is implementing policies such as integrated community care, dementia care services, and expanding job opportunities for seniors to ensure a comfortable old age for parents.
On the occasion of the 54th Parents' Day, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung articulated a vision for a nation that moves beyond relying solely on the sacrifices of parents. In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, President Lee expressed profound respect and gratitude to all parents who have dedicated their lives to their families and the nation. He pledged to foster a society where the state and the community share the responsibility for the happiness and well-being of every citizen.
We will move towards a 'nation where the people are happy,' where the state and the community share responsibility, not a society that relies on the unilateral sacrifice of parents.
President Lee acknowledged the immense weight parents carry, comparing it to shouldering multiple worlds for each child they raise. He highlighted the silent dedication, the unwavering support, and the countless times parents have put their children's future ahead of their own present. It is upon this foundation of selfless commitment, he stated, that the South Korea of today stands. The desire of parents to provide a better world for their children is the very root and driving force behind the nation's growth and prosperity.
A parent carries as many worlds as the number of children they have. I only truly realized this after becoming the father of two.
Reflecting on his own experience as a father of two, President Lee emphasized that alleviating the burden on parents is intrinsically linked to South Korea's progress as an advanced nation. He stressed that the birth and upbringing of a child should be a source of pure joy, and that parents who have dedicated their lives should be able to enjoy their later years without worry. This, he believes, is essential for fostering a society where everyone can look forward to the future with optimism and dream of a better tomorrow.
The earnest desire of parents to pass on a better world than the one they live in to their beloved children is the root of this country and the driving force behind its prosperity and growth.
To this end, the 'People's Government' is actively working on establishing robust institutional frameworks to guarantee a healthy and vibrant old age for its citizens. These include initiatives like 'integrated community care,' 'dementia security asset management services,' a record-breaking 1.15 million job opportunities for the elderly, and reforms to the pension system. President Lee concluded by promising continued, meticulous care and substantial support for parents, urging everyone to share their gratitude and love on this special day.
As we lighten the load on parents' shoulders, South Korea can take one step closer to becoming a truly advanced nation.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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