President Yoon Praises Lee Jae-yong and Chey Tae-won as National Heroes

President Yoon Suk-yeol on June 29 hailed Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, and Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, as "national heroes" during a national report on three mega projects held at the Blue House.

"This is truly a moving moment. A new history for South Korea has begun," President Yoon stated at the event, which followed presentations of government plans and investment announcements from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

He added, "We are now facing an unimaginable new future, and today will be the starting point."

Yoon expressed his desire to honor both leaders as representatives of the people, emphasizing that while businesses seek profit, they have also demonstrated their commitment to the national community.

"They could have chosen to go abroad, but our companies made difficult decisions for the future of the nation and its people," he said, indicating his respect for their choices.

As he addressed both leaders, Yoon bowed in greeting. He then stood with Lee and Chey on either side, collectively shouting, "Let’s fight for the future of South Korea!"

Initially, President Yoon had expressed a wish to bow deeply to the business leaders in gratitude for their investment decisions, but his aides advised against it.

Kang Hoon-sik, head of the presidential office, told reporters after the event that the president was genuinely moved and that aides had urged him to simply greet them, saying, "If you bow deeply, the business leaders might face criticism."

Kang explained that the 90-degree bow was a sincere expression of gratitude, highlighting the importance of jobs and the president's readiness to do even more for the sake of South Korea's future.