At a luncheon meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in central Seoul with leaders of South Korea's seven key religious orders including Buddhist monks, Catholic priests, Christian pastors, and others, Lee said, "As many people feel, conflict, hatred, and hostility in our society seem to have increased."
He added that the president's most important job is to bring people together, but "even though I'm trying, there are many limits."
Lee asked them to do more so that people can "live hand in hand" with harmony and inclusion, saying that the essence of religion is to practice love.
He added that he would take their advice to heart and do his best to move the country toward a society where people "reconcile, forgive, and embrace one another."
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the New Year's gathering was held to seek wisdom and advice from the religious community.
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