First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, wife of President Lee Jae-myung, joined children suffering from glycogen storage disease on Wednesday to make "hope cookies," encouraging healthy eating habits and their dreams. Glycogen storage disease is a rare disorder caused by a congenital abnormality in carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism that leads to recurring hypoglycemia, with an estimated 370 patients in Korea.
Ahn Gwi-ryeong, deputy spokesperson for the presidential office, said in a written briefing that Kim visited a special class of the "Healthy Food Explorer Team" at Seoul Sangsangnara, an experience facility inside Children's Grand Park in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, where she spent time with children battling the disease. The event, held as a follow-up to the presidential couple's communication event late last year with rare disease patients and their families, featured Kim making "hope cookies" directly with the children while encouraging healthy eating habits and their dreams.
"The story of hope cookies that I heard last Christmas Eve stayed in my heart," Kim said. "I really wanted to be part of this occasion where we make cookies that children with glycogen storage disease can enjoy freely without worry." She also introduced Jang Jun-woo, a student continuing his studies at Korean Minjok Leadership Academy despite living with the disease, saying, "I hope all of you grow up to be as wonderful and healthy as Jun-woo."
Watching the children make cookies, Kim praised them, saying, "You're doing so well—didn't you practice beforehand?" Park Jae-i responded, "It was a little difficult, but I think my cooking skills have improved," bringing laughter to the scene, Ahn said.
"These cookies would be great not only for children with glycogen storage disease but also as a healthy snack for ordinary families," Kim added. "I also thought they would pair well as a late-night snack for President Lee."
