President Lee Pledges Stronger Basic Pension Support, Expanded Jobs for Seniors

Marking Senior Citizens' Day, President Lee Jae-myung expressed his gratitude, saying, "Today's Republic of Korea—a top-10 global economic powerhouse and a cultural power moving the hearts of people worldwide—exists because of the tears and sweat shed by our elders."

Attending the ceremony held at a hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, President Lee said, "You are the very individuals who altered the great course of history on the frontlines of industrialization and democratization."

President Lee promised, "The government will look after you with greater care, like a devoted child, so that the lifelong experience and wisdom of our seniors are respected and you can enjoy a healthy and happy later life."

He added, "To ensure economic stability, we will provide stronger basic pension support for low-income seniors and expand senior jobs to a record 1.18 million," adding, "We will also push to apply national health insurance coverage to caregiving expenses."


He also said, "Moving away from a structure that relies solely on nursing homes or hospitals, we will complete a community care network so that seniors can receive care services at home."

In addition, he pledged, "The government will do its utmost to foster a mature society where the older generation understands the difficulties of young people, and the youth honor and respect the elderly."


President Lee, together with his spouse First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, personally handed out cheongnyeojang canes and congratulatory cards to attendees turning 100 years old.

Cheongnyeojang is a walking stick made of goosefoot stalk that symbolizes health and longevity.

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Health and Welfare Jung Eun-kyeong, Korean Senior Citizens Association President Lee Joong-keun, Parliamentarians' Society of the Republic of Korea President Jeong Dae-chul, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, and Senior Presidential Secretary for Social Affairs Kim Kyung-ja, among others.

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