On the morning of February 17, 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung appeared before the nation in a heartfelt video message to mark the Lunar New Year, known as Seollal. The video, titled "Together, a More Special Everyone's Lunar New Year," ran for three minutes and sixteen seconds and was broadcast to citizens both at home and abroad, according to ETNews and Kyunghyang Shinmun. The presidential couple, dressed in traditional hanbok, delivered their greetings with warmth and sincerity, emphasizing unity, gratitude, and shared hopes for the year ahead.
President Lee began his address by reaffirming his commitment to be "everyone's president," a leader who embraces all citizens regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. "On the morning of the Byeong-o Lunar New Year, I pledge to be 'everyone's president' who embraces and serves all citizens," he declared, as reported by Yonhap News. "I will take steady steps, unwavering, using the Korea that the people desire as my guiding signpost."
His message was clear: while South Koreans may differ in their perspectives and circumstances, they share fundamental hopes and dreams. "Because we live in different places and in different ways, our views and thoughts about the world can certainly differ," Lee acknowledged. "But the hope that our children will grow up in a better environment is not different, no matter where or how we live." He continued, "The wish for the health of our families and neighbors, and the aspirations of our youth and elders, are also not so different." This sentiment, echoing across the various news outlets, underscored his call for national unity amid diversity.
President Lee did not shy away from addressing the challenges of the previous year. "Thanks to the strength and unity of all citizens, everything has returned to its place faster than expected," he said, expressing deep gratitude. "I am deeply thankful to all sovereign citizens who have protected this country on the streets, at home, and in the workplace." His words, as cited by Kyunghyang Shinmun and ETNews, resonated with a nation that has weathered its share of hardships, from economic pressures to social divisions.
He reflected on the importance of mutual encouragement and resilience, drawing a direct line between past difficulties and future aspirations. "Just as we overcame difficulties last year by encouraging each other, I hope that in the new year, our society will continue to move forward together on the foundation of warm solidarity and trust," Lee stated. This theme of solidarity was a recurring motif, intended to inspire citizens to support one another in the months to come.
First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, standing beside the president, added her own wishes for the nation. "I wish that health and happiness fill the homes of all of you this year as well," she said, her words echoing through the video and cited by several outlets. The couple, united in their message and attire, concluded their greeting with a traditional bow and the phrase, "Happy New Year," a gesture that symbolized respect and goodwill.
The video itself was more than just a presidential address—it was a mosaic of voices from across the nation and beyond. Interspersed throughout were New Year greetings from a diverse array of citizens: members of the Dokdo Guard, the Gyeongbuk 119 Air Rescue team, disabled national athletes, and Winter Olympics short track national athletes, among others. These clips, according to bnt News, showcased a spectrum of ages, backgrounds, and regions, reflecting the theme of inclusivity and shared celebration.
This collective approach to the New Year greeting was not accidental. In January, ahead of the holiday, President Lee had invited the public to submit their own New Year messages. He expressed his belief that "sincere voices, warm looks wishing each other well, and bright expressions will complete 'everyone's Lunar New Year.'" This initiative, covered by Kyunghyang Shinmun, was designed to foster a sense of participation and belonging among citizens, making the holiday a truly national event.
The symbolism of the presidential couple's hanbok attire did not go unnoticed. By donning traditional clothing and performing a deep bow, Lee and Kim paid homage to Korean customs and underscored the importance of cultural continuity during times of change. The images, distributed by the Blue House and featured in multiple publications, reinforced the message of respect for tradition and shared identity.
The timing and tone of the message were particularly significant in light of recent social and political challenges. South Korea, like many countries, has experienced its share of polarization and conflict. President Lee's acknowledgment of differing views—"our views and thoughts about the world can certainly differ"—was a nod to the reality of a pluralistic society. Yet, his emphasis on common hopes and collective well-being aimed to bridge those divides, appealing to a sense of shared destiny.
Observers noted that the inclusion of greetings from frontline workers, athletes, and citizens living abroad was both a symbolic and practical gesture. It recognized those who serve the country in visible and invisible ways, while also connecting the diaspora to the national celebration. The presence of the Dokdo Guard, for instance, carried particular resonance, given the ongoing significance of Dokdo (also known as the Liancourt Rocks) in Korean national consciousness.
Political analysts have observed that President Lee's approach to public messaging often emphasizes empathy and inclusivity. His decision to collect and showcase citizens' greetings aligns with this style, seeking to position the presidency as a unifying force rather than a distant authority. By thanking "all sovereign citizens who have protected this country on the streets, at home, and in the workplace," Lee sought to validate the contributions of ordinary people, not just those in positions of power.
For many South Koreans, Lunar New Year is a time of family gatherings, ancestral rites, and reflection on the year ahead. The president's message tapped into these traditions while also addressing contemporary realities. His call for "warm solidarity and trust" was both a reassurance and a challenge—an invitation for citizens to look beyond their differences and work together for a better future.
As the video concluded, the image of the president and first lady bowing in unison served as a poignant reminder of the values at the heart of Korean society: respect, humility, and hope. Their message, amplified by the voices of citizens from all walks of life, offered a vision of a country united not by uniformity, but by shared aspirations and mutual care.
In a year marked by both progress and uncertainty, the presidential New Year greeting stood out as a moment of connection—a chance for South Koreans to pause, reflect, and step forward together into the possibilities of 2026.