Lee Uses Chuseok Message to Call for Unity Across Political Differences

President Lee Jae Myung used his Chuseok holiday message to emphasize national unity and a commitment to improving the lives of all South Koreans, regardless of their political views or personal circumstances.

In a video greeting released while he was on a state visit to Mexico, Lee said he would work harder to ensure that every citizen’s life is illuminated. He framed that promise broadly, saying it applied regardless of people’s qualifications, conditions, opinions or thoughts.

The message placed shared national identity above differences in residence, occupation and individual choices. Lee said South Koreans may live in different places, do different work and follow different paths, but remain connected by their love for the country.

First lady Kim Hea Kyung appeared alongside the president in the holiday video. Lee thanked the public for building present-day Korea and shaping its future, describing it as an honor to share the Chuseok moment with citizens.

He also offered a more personal holiday wish, expressing hope that people would contact those they miss and spend meaningful, happy time with loved ones. Chuseok, often described as the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving, is one of the country’s major family holidays.

The greeting came from abroad rather than Seoul because Lee was in Mexico for a state visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. He was scheduled to leave Mexico on Saturday and return to South Korea the following day.

Although ceremonial holiday messages are customary for South Korean presidents, Lee’s emphasis on respecting differences gave the address a clear political theme. By explicitly referring to citizens with differing opinions and ways of life, he presented inclusion and social cohesion as priorities of his administration.

The message also linked everyday well-being with the broader idea of national community. Rather than detailing a new policy initiative, Lee used the holiday occasion to set out a governing commitment: that public service should reach citizens across social and political divisions.

Delivered during a diplomatic trip, the video allowed Lee to address domestic audiences while carrying out duties overseas. Its central appeal was that disagreement need not weaken a shared commitment to the country, and that the government’s responsibility extends to people on every side of those differences.