President Lee Jae-myung marked the Lunar New Year on February 17, 2026, with a video message emphasizing national unity and service to the people in his second year in office. Dressed in traditional hanbok alongside first lady Kim Hae-kyung, he renewed his pledge to be a 'president for all' embracing every citizen. He expressed gratitude to the public for overcoming last year's political crisis and called for advancing together on foundations of compassionate solidarity and trust.
President Lee Jae-myung delivered a Lunar New Year's message on February 17, 2026, renewing his commitment to serve as a 'president for all' during his second year in office. In the video, filmed with first lady Kim Hae-kyung and featuring both in traditional hanbok, he stated, "This morning, as the Lunar New Year of the Red Horse dawns, I renew my commitment as a 'president for all,' who embraces and serves every citizen."
Lee assumed office in June 2025, following months of political turmoil sparked by former President Yoon Suk-yeol's failed martial law attempt in December 2024 and subsequent impeachment. He expressed thanks to the public for their role in restoring normalcy, saying, "Thanks to the people's concerted efforts over the past year, we are seeing a return to normalcy in every corner of society more quickly than expected." He added, "I extend my deepest gratitude to all of our sovereign citizens for safeguarding this nation, whether on the streets, at home or at work."
Despite differing views, Lee highlighted shared hopes for a better future for children. "We encouraged one another and overcame challenges over the past year," he noted. "I hope that, this year, our society will advance together on a foundation of compassionate solidarity and trust."
The message underscores efforts toward national unity and stability, consistent across reports from both sources.
