Lee on Injured Firefighters at Korean National Sports Festival: “Would We Begrudge Giving Them a Fortune?”

[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung said on the 16th, referring to the sacrifices and dedication of soldiers, police officers and firefighters, “Would we begrudge giving them a fortune?”
Before delivering commemorative remarks at the opening ceremony of the 107th Korean National Sports Festival at Jeju World Cup Stadium that day, President Lee said, “Thanks to the sacrifice and dedication of soldiers, police officers, firefighters and other citizens in uniform, we can enjoy these happy moments even now,” making the same point.
President Lee said, “Sadly, at this very moment, a firefighter is hospitalized after suffering cardiac arrest while battling a fire,” adding, “There are also many injured firefighters.”
He continued, “It is inevitable that some people make sacrifices for our national community to remain peaceful and safe, but it is also a regrettable reality that the respect and compensation we provide them are far from adequate.”
He then proposed, “How about giving an encouraging round of applause together, so that the firefighter now fighting for their life and the injured firefighters can recover quickly, and so that our service members who were injured defending the country not long ago can also make a full recovery?” The attendees responded with applause.
Addressing the teams representing overseas Korean associations at the Korean National Sports Festival, President Lee promised, “Going forward, we will work actively with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) to support you, so that visiting your homeland for the sports festival will not be a major burden.”
He also said, “I believe our people will take a special interest and stand with you, so that you can participate in events in Korea without discrimination, just like Korean citizens living here.”
President Lee emphasized, “Sports make our lives healthy and rich,” adding that they “have a special appeal that sometimes brings together people with different views.” He described the Korean National Sports Festival as “a stage for harmony and solidarity,” where athletes compete and share friendship across generations and regions.
He also expressed the government’s commitment to supporting sports. President Lee said, “We will provide stronger support so that everyone can enjoy sports in their daily lives, athletes can nurture their dreams in better conditions, and people in sports can pursue their activities with pride.”
He urged the athletes, “Beyond wins and losses, respect and encourage one another, and I hope you will fully demonstrate the skills you have worked hard to prepare.”
[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter