President Lee to Host First Labor Day Commemoration at Blue House Tomorrow...First Joint Attendance by Two Major Trade Unions

Over 120 Representatives from Labor, Management, and Government, and Workers from Diverse Occupations Invited to the State Guest House

Message of "Real Growth with Labor" Expected

On April 30, the Blue House announced that President Lee Jaemyung will invite over 120 key representatives from labor, management, and government, along with workers from various occupations and generations, to the State Guest House at the Blue House on May 1 to hold the ‘2026 Labor Day Commemoration Ceremony’ in celebration of Labor Day.

Yonhap News Agency

This is the first time the Blue House is hosting a Labor Day commemoration. It is also the first time that both the Federation of Korean Trade Unions and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which represent the labor sector, will jointly participate in a Labor Day event. The Blue House explained, “On the occasion of Labor Day, which has been restored after 63 years, we intend to convey our commitment to ‘real growth with labor’ through respect for labor, mutual prosperity, and cooperation.”

The ceremony will be attended by senior figures from the labor sector, major representatives from both trade union federations, public officials, teachers, and workers from a wide range of professions. Key figures from business circles and civil society will also be present to honor the significance of Labor Day.

The event will take place on May 1, starting at 9:30 a.m. and lasting for about 50 minutes. It will begin with an opening video themed ‘The Many Faces of Work in My Day,’ followed by congratulatory remarks from representatives of labor and management.

Afterward, a diverse group of labor participants—including women, youth, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, and freelancers—will take the stage to read ‘Voices of Labor,’ expressing their hopes for good workplaces and the future of labor.

President Lee will deliver a commemorative address, and there will be an award ceremony for individuals recognized for their contributions on Labor Day. The event will conclude with a celebratory performance by a labor choir made up of non-regular workers and others from the labor sector.

As a former ‘boy factory worker,’ President Lee is expected to reflect on the significance of Labor Day’s restoration in his speech, express gratitude for the value of work and the dedication of workers, and highlight the importance of workplace safety, respect for labor, and cooperation between labor and management. He will also outline his vision for a Korea where every working person shines.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.