Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik Reveals President Lee’s First Meal of the New Year—Tteokguk—“We Shared Our Determination for 2026”

[Financial News] Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, shared a glimpse of President Lee Jae-myung and Members of the State Council having their first meal of the new year together.
On the 1st, Kang posted on his social media, "The first meal of the year was Tteokguk (sliced rice cake soup)," adding, "With the President and Members of the State Council, we shared our commitment to making 2026 the ‘first year of a great leap forward.’" He also released a photo alongside his message.
In the photo, President Lee is seen sharing a meal and smiling in conversation with Chief of Staff Kang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT (MSIT) Bae Kyung-hoon, Office of National Security (ONS) Chief Wi Sung-lac, and others. There is also an image of a tray with Tteokguk and side dishes.
Kang stated, "As the nation grows stronger, I will do my utmost to ensure that our lives improve as well, and to bring about changes that the people—the true source of national power—can truly feel. This year will certainly be better than the last," he added.
Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House) reported that, as his first official event of the new year, President Lee visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects, and afterward had a breakfast of Tteokguk with those who attended the ceremony at the Cheong Wa Dae staff cafeteria.

bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter