President Lee: "1.18 Million Senior Jobs, Caregiving Costs to Be Covered by Health Insurance"

President Lee at Senior Citizens' Day Ceremony on October 2

"Care Services That Seniors Can Receive in Their Own Homes"

On October 2, President Lee Jae-myung declared, "We will provide stronger basic pension support for low-income seniors and expand senior employment, aiming to create a record high of 1.18 million jobs." He also pledged, "To ensure that no one hesitates to seek treatment due to financial burdens, we will work to include caregiving expenses under health insurance coverage."

President Lee made these remarks during a congratulatory address at the 30th Senior Citizens' Day ceremony held at a hotel in Seoul that day. He further stated, "We will move beyond a system that relies solely on nursing homes or hospitals and complete a community-based care network that enables seniors to receive care services in their own homes."

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung salute the national flag at the 30th Senior Citizens' Day ceremony held at a hotel in Seoul on October 2, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee praised, "The life journeys of each and every one of our seniors have woven together to create the history of the Republic of Korea. Those who are here today are the very protagonists who endured blood and sweat amidst the ashes of war to achieve the Miracle on the Han River."

He continued, "It is you who raised your children with the determination not to pass down poverty, and who stood at the forefront of industrialization and democratization, dramatically redirecting the flow of history. Thanks to the tears and sweat you shed, Korea today is both a top-10 economic powerhouse and a cultural leader that moves the hearts of people worldwide," he emphasized.

He promised, "The government will heed your lifelong experiences and wisdom with the respect they deserve and will ensure―with the devotion of children caring for their parents―that you enjoy a healthy and happy retirement."

Approximately 400 people attended the ceremony, including seniors who turned 100 this year and others recognized for their contributions to elderly welfare. President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung personally presented a Cheongnyeojang (a staff made from the amur cork tree, traditionally symbolizing health and longevity) along with congratulatory cards to each centenarian. The Cheongnyeojang has been presented to seniors reaching 100 years of age as a symbol of long life and good health.

Among those at the event from Cheong Wa Dae and the government were Policy Chief Kang Hoon-sik, Social Affairs Chief Kim Kyung-ja, and Health and Welfare Minister Chung Eun-kyung. Key political figures also attended, including Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, Shin Jang-sik, leader of the Korea Innovation Party, and Chun Haram, floor leader of the Reform Party. From the private sector, participants included Lee Joong-keun, President of the Korea Senior Citizens Association; Chung Dae-chul, 23rd President of the National Assembly Members' Association; and Yoon Yeo-jun, President of the Community Chest of Korea.

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