President Lee Jae-myung said on the 2nd that the government will provide more generous basic pension support for low-income households and expand senior jobs to a record 1.18 million.
Lee made the remarks in a congratulatory address at the 30th Senior Citizens' Day ceremony held in Seoul. He opened the speech by saying, "On this 30th Senior Citizens' Day, I extend my deep respect and gratitude to all the elders who devoted themselves to the next generation and the future of the Republic of Korea."
He continued, "The life of each and every elder came together to make the history of the Republic of Korea," adding, "The ones who shed blood and sweat on the ashes of war to bring about the Miracle on the Han River are the very elders present here." He also said, "You are the ones who raised your children with the single resolve not to pass down poverty, and who stood at the forefront of industrialization and democratization to change the great current of history. Because of the tears and sweat you shed, the Republic of Korea has become an economic power ranked among the world's top 10 and a cultural power that moves the hearts of people around the world."
Lee said, "We will never forget those great footsteps," and pledged that "the government will look after you even more closely, with the heart of a child, so that the lifelong experience and wisdom you have gained is respected and so that you can enjoy a healthy and happy later life."
He first said, "For the economic stability that is the foundation of a happy later life, we will provide more generous basic pension support for low-income households and expand senior jobs to a record 1.18 million." He also said, "We will push to apply health insurance to caregiving costs so that no one hesitates to receive treatment because of the cost."
He went on to say, "We will complete a community care network so that elders can receive sufficient care services where they live, breaking away from a structure that relies solely on nursing homes or hospitals." Lee stressed, "Just as parents love their children and children respect their parents, the government will do its utmost to build a mature society in which the older generation understands the difficulties of young people and young people honor and respect their elders."
About 400 people attended the event, including elders who have turned 100, individuals recognized for contributions to senior welfare, and elders living alone or in vulnerable circumstances. Lee Jung-keun, chairman of the Korea Senior Citizens Association; Chung Dae-chul, the 23rd chairman of the Korea Constitutional Government Association; and Yoon Yeo-joon, chairman of the Community Chest of Korea, also attended.
