Lee Jae-myung says Korea should become a country where the state shares responsibility, not one that relies on parental sacrifice

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[Financial News] Marking the 54th Parents' Day on the 8th, President Lee Jae-myung said Korea will move forward "not as a society that depends on the one-sided sacrifice of parents, but as a nation of happy people in which the state and the community share responsibility."
In a Facebook message titled "To the parents who have gladly embraced the world of being a child," Lee said, "I offer deep respect and gratitude to all the parents in this country who devote themselves to their families and to the nation."
He said, "A parent carries the world of as many children as they have," adding that this is something he truly understands only after becoming the father of two children.
He continued, "Those were the years when they gave their backs without condition, lifted their children up every time they fell, and set aside their own today for the sake of their children's tomorrow." He emphasized that "today's Republic of Korea stands on that quiet devotion."
Lee said the earnest desire to leave their children a better world than the one they inherited is "the root of this country and the driving force behind its prosperity and growth."
He added that the more the burden on parents' shoulders is eased, "the more Korea will be able to take one step at a time toward becoming a truly advanced nation."
Lee also stressed that the state must share responsibility for childbirth, caregiving, and security in old age.
He said, "The birth and care of a child must be able to blossom into pure joy," and added, "Parents who have devoted their entire lives should be able to enjoy a happy old age without worry."
He went on to say, "Only then can everyone look ahead to tomorrow with hope and dream of a better future."
Lee said the Government of the People is preparing institutional measures to ensure a healthy and active old age, including Integrated Community Care, the Dementia-Safe Asset Management Service, a record-high 1.15 million senior jobs, and reforms to unreasonable pension systems.
He also said the government will continue to care for parents' lives more carefully and thoroughly, while steadily expanding practical support.
Lee said he hopes the day can be a warm time to share gratitude and love that people may not have had the chance to express.
west@fnnews.com Sung Seok-woo Reporter