President Lee Wishes Speedy Recovery for Injured Firefighters and Soldiers: "No Sum Is Too Great for Their Dedication"

President Lee Jae-myung today (October 16) wished a speedy recovery to firefighters who sustained serious and minor injuries while battling a factory fire in Bucheon, as well as soldiers injured in a North Korean landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), pledging proper honors and compensation for the sacrifices of firefighters, soldiers, and police officers.

Taking the podium to deliver a commemorative address at the opening ceremony of the 107th National Sports Festival held at Jeju World Cup Stadium on this day, President Lee said, "Before beginning my formal greetings, there is a story I want to share to connect with the residents of Jeju and the people of the Republic of Korea watching this scene."

President Lee said, "To protect the safety of all of us and the peace of the nation, there are people around us who constantly dedicate and sacrifice themselves," adding, "Thanks to the sacrifice and dedication of soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and uniformed citizens, we are able to enjoy these happy moments even at this very time."

He continued, "Regrettably, at this very moment, there is a firefighter hospitalized in cardiac arrest after battling a fire, along with many other injured firefighters."

President Lee pointed out, "While someone's sacrifice is inevitable for our national community to remain peaceful and safe, it is also a regrettable reality that the honors and compensation given to them have not been sufficient."

He then emphasized, "Compared to how they dedicate themselves and risk their lives for the lives and safety of our people, how could any fortune we give them ever be too much?"

President Lee suggested, "Why don't all of you here join together in a round of encouraging applause so that the firefighter who is currently fighting for life and the injured firefighters can recover quickly, and so that the soldiers who were recently injured while defending the nation can also swiftly heal?"

President Lee then continued with his congratulatory speech for the festival, encouraging the athletes.

First, mentioning the delegations from overseas Korean sports associations participating in the festival, President Lee said, "Considering the fiscal capacity of the Republic of Korea, whose national power has grown so significantly as to be the envy of people worldwide, we will actively support you together with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee so that visiting your homeland for sports competitions will not pose a heavy burden in the future."

He continued, "The Republic of Korea is a great nation, and overseas citizens and compatriots who consider the Republic of Korea their homeland take pride in this great country," adding, "I trust that our people will also take special interest and join together so that you can participate in domestic events in the Republic of Korea without discrimination, just like our citizens living in the country."

President Lee also mentioned the recently concluded 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, stating, "Our athletes showed a fighting spirit of never giving up until the final moment," and "The sight of athletes doing their utmost to surpass their limits and taking on challenges together with their teammates gave great inspiration and courage."

He added, "That passionate inspiration now continues again here in Jeju," evaluating that "the countless challenges that began at the National Sports Festival became the driving force behind the growth of Korean sports and a solid foundation for our athletes to advance to larger stages."

President Lee promised, "The government will provide strong backing so that all citizens can enjoy sports in their daily lives, athletes can nurture their dreams in a better environment, and sports figures can pursue their activities with pride."

The National Sports Festival is South Korea's largest multi-sport event, with a history dating back to 1920.

Held in Jeju for the first time in 12 years since 2014, this year's festival brings together around 30,000 participants, including delegations from 17 cities and provinces and overseas Korean sports associations, competing in 50 sports categories.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.