SEOUL — President Lee Jae Myung has used his 2026 Chuseok message to thank South Koreans for their everyday contributions and pledge to work harder to ensure that every citizen can share in a brighter future.
In a video message released for Chuseok, South Korea’s traditional harvest holiday, Lee appeared alongside first lady Kim Hye-kyung, speaking directly to citizens while he was in Mexico for a state visit.
Lee expressed gratitude to people across society, including sanitation workers, farmers and fishermen, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, medical workers and overseas Koreans.
He said that although citizens may live in different places, work in different professions and follow different paths, they remain connected by their concern for the country.
Lee Promises to Work for Every Citizen
The central message of Lee’s address was a pledge to serve citizens regardless of their circumstances or political views.
He said he would work harder so that a “bright light” could shine equally on the lives of individual citizens, without discrimination based on qualifications, conditions, opinions or thoughts.
The message comes as South Korea observes Chuseok, a major holiday when families traditionally gather, share food and express gratitude.
Lee described the holiday as a time when people think of those they miss and share feelings of appreciation that may otherwise go unspoken.
A Message of Gratitude From Mexico
Lee delivered the Chuseok greeting while visiting Mexico on a state visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
According to Yonhap, he was scheduled to leave Mexico on Saturday and return to South Korea the following day.
The presidential office’s video also showed Lee and Kim dressed in traditional Korean clothing as they delivered their holiday greetings.
Kim separately wished citizens a meaningful Chuseok, encouraging them to contact people they miss and share happiness with those they love.
Beyond Politics, Lee Highlights Everyday Koreans
Rather than focusing on policy announcements, Lee’s holiday message centered on people working behind the scenes to keep South Korea running.
He specifically recognized workers who begin their days before sunrise, those producing food, public safety personnel, healthcare workers and Koreans living abroad.
His message emphasized that the country’s present and future are built not only through government but also through the daily efforts of citizens.
As families across South Korea celebrate Chuseok, Lee closed with a message of gratitude and a pledge to continue working for citizens despite differences in circumstances and viewpoints.
This Chuseok, Lee’s message was less about political divisions — and more about the people he says keep South Korea moving forward.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
