▲ President Lee Jae-myung delivers congratulatory remarks at the 110th anniversary ceremony of Chung-Ang University in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on October 16.
President Lee Jae-myung met juniors at his alma mater, Chung-Ang University, reminiscing about his college days and advising, "Value the time you have. Time is life itself."
Cheong Wa Dae released video footage today (October 19) via its YouTube channel and other platforms showing President Lee delivering his congratulatory address at Chung-Ang University's 110th anniversary ceremony on October 16.
Taking the stage for the address, President Lee opened with a lighthearted remark citing Chung-Ang University's motto, saying, "Chung-Ang family of righteous blood, it is good to see you. Are you dying for justice and living for truth?"
Recalling when he entered university, President Lee said, "I wonder what it feels like for you (to look at an alumnus who entered) 44 years ago; I don't think you can even calculate the difference."
He added, "Your lives must also be different from the lives we have lived. Although I try hard to understand, it really does not seem easy to understand people from an entirely different kind of world beyond an enormous generational gap."
He also reflected, "Somehow, I have become your senior by about 40 years. Looking back, (college days) were truly a precious and valuable time."
He went on to advise, "This will likely sound like a 'back in my day' talk, but there is something I really want to tell you. Cherish your lives, and value the time you currently have."
President Lee also recalled that the truth about the May 18 Democratization Movement, which he came to know during his college years, along with the values of learning and solidarity experienced on campus, served as precious foundation that transformed his life.
President Lee entered Chung-Ang University's College of Law in 1982 and passed the 28th bar examination in 1986 while studying at the university.
To mark its 110th anniversary, Chung-Ang University selected President Lee as the first recipient of its Special Achievement Award.
(Photo courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae, Yonhap News)
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