President Lee marks 100th Hangul Day, calls language and writing Korea's competitiveness

President Lee Jae-myung marked Hangul Day on October 9 with a Facebook post saying that "writing is the face of the nation and speech is the heart of the nation" and that "the power of our language and writing is South Korea's competitiveness." Newsis reported that the post was made that morning. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]

Lee wrote that the day is the 580th anniversary of King Sejong's proclamation of Hangul, and that this year is exactly 100 years since, in 1926 under Japanese colonial rule, Koreans' forebears first created "Gagya Day" (가갸날) to protect their language and writing. He said that if the past 100 years were a time of protecting Hangul and rooting it in daily life, the next 100 years would be a time to further expand its possibilities, and he congratulated the nation on the 100th Hangul Day. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]

Looking back, Lee wrote that 100 years ago forebears did their utmost to protect the language, and that Ju Si-gyeong (주시경) and many other pioneers researched, recorded and taught Korean language and writing despite Japanese oppression, out of a will that even with the country lost, its spirit and identity could not be lost. He quoted Ju as saying, "When language rises, the nation rises; when language falls, the nation falls." [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]

Lee said Koreans now use freely the Hangul their forebears preserved, and that since liberation Hangul has supported South Korea's growth and development. In the version quoted by Asia Economy, he also said Hangul became the foundation for all citizens to learn and share knowledge. He said Hangul is now a script learned and loved by people around the world, noting that King Sejong Institutes (세종학당), which began in 2007 at 13 sites in 3 countries, have grown this year to 273 sites in 89 countries. [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]

Lee closed by saying he believed citizens would join efforts in their love of Hangul so that South Korea can continue as a "cultural powerhouse." [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 , 8 ]

Asia Economy reported that Lee has recently shown particular interest in Hangul's symbolism and correct language use. At a cabinet meeting on October 6 he proposed adding Hangul alongside the existing Chinese characters on the Gwanghwamun signboard and said a conclusion should be reached by next year after gathering public opinion, the outlet said. He also asked for correct language use in public areas, including fixing wrong expressions in broadcasting and government documents, according to Asia Economy. [ 8 ]