President Park kicks off 2016 by visiting Seoul Nat'l Cemetery

박 대통령, 현충원 참배에서 '세계 평화 위한 통일 기원'
The South Korean government's response to a TV address from the North was again corroborated earlier this morning.
President Park Geun-hye highlighted peaceful reunification on this first day of the new year.
The Korean leader kicked off 2016 by paying tribute to the nation's fallen heroes where she highlighted reunification.
Our presidential office correspondent Song Ji-sun joins us from the top office.
Ji-sun, reunification has always been President Park's key on her agenda, but is she placing extra emphasis in 2016?
"Conn-young, visiting the National Cemetery to honor the country's heroes... has always been the first step of the year for many Korean leaders... but the message that the president left in the guestbook is what's important about this year's visit."

President Park wrote... that she hopes 2016 is the year of reunification on the Korean peninsula... contributing to world peace.
Reunification was also a keyword in her New Year's message sent out to the nation.

"Strong national security is the most fundamental basis of growth and development.
We will maintain full defense readiness to firmly respond to any North Korean provocation. But the window for dialogue is always open... to reach a peaceful unification of the Korean peninsula."

She also sent a video message to the troops across the country and to those dispatched overseas. Citing North Korea's landmine attack in the DMZ last year, President Park thanked the forces for keeping South Korea safe in the face of repeated threats from North Korea.

"I have full trust in our brave soldiers. The government will support the military to the fullest, so that they can successfully execute their missions."

"Back here at Cheong Wa Dae, she shared the traditional new year's dish Tteokguk or rice cake soup with her chief commissioners and cabinet members.
She asked them to strive for a year with no regrets,... to build a peaceful Korean peninsula without tension... and to also to carry out reforms to revitalize the economy. Back to you.

Economy and reunification - always topping Koreans presidents' agenda at the onset of a new year. That was our Song Ji-sun from the nation's top office.

Visit ‘Arirang News’ Official Pages