"This child is destined for great things!"
On Children's Day, May 5, cheerful laughter filled the hallway of the main building of Cheong Wa Dae, the former presidential residence. President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung spent time in informal dialogue with children invited from across the country.
◇ Cartwheel in Cheong Wa Dae Hallway Amuses Presidential Couple
The event, titled "Welcome, Is This Your First Visit to Cheong Wa Dae?", was attended by about 200 children and guardians. President Lee and First Lady Kim personally greeted the children in front of the main building of Cheong Wa Dae.
As President Lee exchanged high-fives with each child and offered warm greetings, the children could not hide their excitement, letting out cheers of "Wow." One child shared an innocent impression, saying, "It feels amazing and I'm happy to actually meet Mr. President."
The highlight of the day was an unexpected moment that occurred during a transition. As the presidential couple was moving from the main building's Sejong Room to Nokjiwon, an elementary school student walking alongside them suddenly performed a flashy cartwheel on the hallway floor.
It was First Lady Kim who reacted first to the unexpected sight. Startled by the child's sudden move, Kim covered her mouth with both hands and her eyes widened, but she soon broke into a bright smile and applauded, saying, "Oh my goodness! That was wonderful."
President Lee also burst into hearty laughter at the child's bold display. Security guards and aides who had been tense also laughed together, and the child shyly but confidently exchanged a high-five with the president in response.
◇ "Studying Is Tough, Right? Being President Is Tough Too"... Dialogue at Children's Level
That day, the children sat in the Sejong Room, where Cabinet meetings are normally held, and became "ministers for a day," posing sharp yet innocent questions to President Lee.
When one child asked, "How did you become president?", President Lee drew attention with his candid reply: "If you usually prepare well for the people, work hard, and gain their recognition, you can do it. But if you make mistakes along the way, you can be kicked out."
To the question, "Is being president comfortable?", he confessed, "It's very hard," but added, explaining at the children's level, "Even when it's hard, there are things you have to do. Students also have to study even when it's tough."
To a child who said their dream was to become president, he quipped, "You can only be president for five years," drawing laughter from those present.
The children also continued with questions such as, "When are Cabinet meetings held?", "Why is Children's Day on May 5?", and "When will unification happen?"
The event carried added significance as it was the first Children's Day celebration held since the return to Cheong Wa Dae. After touring major facilities in the main building, including the Chungmu Room and the Sejong Room, the children moved to Nokjiwon, where they enjoyed a variety of programs including a treasure hunt.
