Lee Jae-myung Tells Veteran Who Asked to Be Sent to the Front if War Breaks Out: "I Will Make Sure War Does Not Break Out"

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[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung visited VHS Medical Center on Memorial Day, June 6, to comfort persons of distinguished service to the state who are receiving inpatient treatment. He checked on their health and wished them a speedy recovery, while stressing that honoring such individuals is a basic duty of the state.
Blue House Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong said in a written briefing that the president and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited the medical center after attending the Memorial Day ceremony.
VHS Medical Center is a general hospital that opened in 1961 to provide treatment and rehabilitation for persons of distinguished service to the state.
Upon arriving at the hospital, the presidential couple greeted veterans undergoing inpatient treatment and asked how they were feeling, saying, "What seems to be bothering you?" and "Are you receiving treatment well?" Ahn said. They also bent down to shake hands with veterans in wheelchairs and took photos with them.
When Hwang Dae-sik, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the White Horse Division, said, "The hospital is very comfortable and nice," the president replied, "Still, you should recover quickly and be discharged."
Another Vietnam War veteran, Park Hyung-woo, said, "If war breaks out, send me to the front lines again," adding that he was ready to sacrifice for the country. In response, Lee said, "I appreciate that sentiment," and added, "I will make sure war does not break out."
Lee expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks to your sacrifices and dedication, today's Republic of Korea has been able to become a country recognized around the world." Kim also wished them a speedy recovery, saying, "I hope you take good care of your health."
Lee especially emphasized that honoring persons of distinguished service to the state is a fundamental duty of the nation and urged officials to pay close attention to their welfare.
Meanwhile, the presidential couple delivered red ginseng gift sets as consolation gifts to more than 8,800 persons of distinguished service to the state and veterans' families hospitalized at veterans' hospitals and entrusted medical institutions nationwide, including those they met that day.
\r\nAfter wrapping up his Memorial Day veterans' schedule, Lee also visited a traditional market to inspect conditions on the ground and check on livelihoods.
\r\nThe presidential couple later made a surprise visit to Gildong Bokjori Market in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, near the hospital, where they spoke with citizens. Lee listened to concerns from the field and encouraged merchants who are struggling amid the economic slowdown.
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west@fnnews.com Reporter Seong Seok-woo Reporter