On the morning of February 17, 2026, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung released a heartfelt Lunar New Year greeting video, capturing the spirit of unity and gratitude that has defined the nation’s recent journey. The video, titled Together, a More Special Lunar New Year for Everyone, was broadcast on YouTube and quickly resonated across the country, with citizens from all walks of life finding themselves reflected in its message.
Standing side by side in traditional Korean attire, President Lee and the First Lady addressed the nation with warmth and sincerity. As reported by MBC News, President Lee opened his message by acknowledging the collective efforts of the Korean people: “Thanks to the unity and strength of our citizens over the past year, everything has found its place faster than expected.” He continued, “I deeply thank all sovereign citizens who have protected our country in the streets, at home, and in the workplace.”
This gratitude was not merely ceremonial. President Lee’s remarks, as highlighted by Hankyung Business, underscored the extraordinary challenges faced by South Korea in the previous year and the remarkable resilience shown by its people. “Because of everyone’s efforts, the country has recovered more quickly than we could have hoped,” he said, offering a rare moment of optimism in a world often clouded by uncertainty.
But the president’s message didn’t stop at thanks. He used the occasion to reaffirm his core promise as “everyone’s president.” According to The Hankyoreh, Lee stated, “On this Lunar New Year morning, I pledge once again to be a president who embraces and serves all citizens. I will walk steadily, step by step, toward the South Korea that everyone desires, using your vision as my guidepost.”
Lee’s words reflected an awareness of the diversity of opinions and experiences within the country. “Because we live in different places and in different ways, our perspectives and thoughts about the world can certainly differ,” he acknowledged, according to Hankyung Business. Yet, he emphasized the common ground uniting Koreans: “Regardless of where or how we live, our wish for our children to grow up in a better environment is the same. Our hopes for the health of our families and neighbors, and for the well-being of both young people and elders, do not differ.”
In a nation where political and social divisions can run deep, this emphasis on shared values struck a chord. The president looked forward, stating, “Just as we overcame difficulties last year by encouraging one another, I hope that in the new year our society will move forward together on the foundation of warm solidarity and trust.”
The First Lady, Kim Hye-kyung, echoed these sentiments, wishing “health and happiness to all of your households in the coming year.” Her message, simple but heartfelt, reinforced the administration’s focus on unity and well-being for all citizens.
The greeting video itself was more than a simple presidential address. It was a carefully crafted mosaic of South Korean society, featuring a diverse array of participants. As detailed by MBC News and The Hankyoreh, the video included greetings from Dokdo guards, military personnel, members of the Gyeongbuk 119 Air Rescue team, short track national team athletes, disabled national athletes, and even overseas Korean residents. This broad representation was no accident—it was an intentional display of the nation’s collective spirit and the interconnectedness of its people, both at home and abroad.
Earlier in January, President Lee had called on citizens to submit their own New Year greeting videos. The resulting montage, as reported by Hankyung Business, bookended the presidential message, showcasing well-wishes from Koreans of all ages and backgrounds. Lee had previously remarked, “Voices filled with sincerity, warm glances wishing for each other’s well-being, and bright expressions will come together to complete ‘Everyone’s Lunar New Year.’”
The video concluded with President Lee and First Lady Kim bowing together and saying in unison, “Happy New Year,” a traditional gesture that resonated with viewers and reinforced the authenticity of their message. The inclusion of both domestic and overseas citizens, as well as people from various professions and backgrounds, gave the greeting a uniquely inclusive character.
President Lee’s address comes as he enters the second year of his presidency—a period often marked by both reflection and renewed determination. His focus on being “everyone’s president” and his commitment to walking “steadily, step by step” toward the nation’s shared vision reflect an administration seeking to bridge divides and foster a sense of common purpose.
Yet, the president did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges ahead. By emphasizing the importance of solidarity and trust, he signaled an understanding that the path forward would require continued cooperation and mutual support. In a world where uncertainty and change seem to be the only constants, such messages can be both reassuring and motivating.
For many South Koreans, the Lunar New Year is a time of family gatherings, reflection, and hope for the future. The president’s message tapped into these traditions, using the occasion to remind citizens of their collective strength and the values that bind them together. By highlighting both the differences and the shared aspirations of the Korean people, Lee sought to chart a course toward a more inclusive and resilient society.
As reported by MBC News, the video and its message were widely viewed and discussed, with many praising the administration’s emphasis on unity and gratitude. The inclusion of so many everyday citizens—alongside high-profile figures like athletes and public servants—gave the greeting an authenticity that resonated beyond the usual confines of political rhetoric.
In the end, the 2026 Lunar New Year greeting from President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung was more than a routine holiday message. It was a reflection of a nation that, despite its differences, continues to find strength in shared hopes and collective action. As South Korea steps into the new year, the call for solidarity, trust, and steady progress serves as both a reminder of past achievements and a guide for the challenges to come.