President Lee Jae-myung visited his alma mater, Chung-Ang University, to attend a ceremony marking the school's 110th anniversary and spent time engaging with students.
Kang Yu-jung, senior presidential spokesperson, announced this in a written briefing on the 16th. The presidential office said Lee's visit came after Chung-Ang University selected him as the first recipient of its Special Merit Award, created to mark the school's 110th anniversary.
In his congratulatory address at the ceremony, Lee recalled that the truth about the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, which he learned about during his college years, along with the values of learning and solidarity he experienced on campus, became a precious foundation that changed his life, Kang said. Lee also said, "Looking back on my college years, it was truly a precious and valuable time," and urged students to "treasure the time you have, because time is life itself."
He closed his address by saying, "To the students of Chung-Ang, who stand for justice and live by the truth — I support you and I love you."
Lee received a "gwajam," a varsity-style college jacket, with "Lee Jae-myung" embroidered on the sleeve as a gift from the student council president. He put it on immediately and posed for photos holding the school mascot, Puangi. As Lee emerged from the building after the ceremony, students applauded and shouted, "We love you, Mr. President," "Go for it, senior," and "Stay healthy."
Lee then walked through the campus with students and school officials to look around his alma mater. He readily agreed to photo requests from students and members of the public, continuing to engage with them before waving and leaving the campus.