In commemoration of the first anniversary of President Lee Myung‐bak’s inauguration, Cheong Wa Dae, the Office of the President, held a public photo contest from February 23 to March 6 under the title, “The President in My Photo Album.”

Among some 300 entries for the contest, 44 photographs were selected for awards. The Grand Prize (the photogenic award) went to “The President and Me, May 2003” by Mr. Kim Yong‐koo, 76, who is a former primary school principal. Most photographs entered in the contest were taken when the President was Seoul Mayor or on the presidential campaign trail. What attracted people’s interest, in particular, was a wedding photo of a former secretary to Lee Myung‐bak when he was a lawmaker. The photo of Ms Ha was sent in by her daughter, who was a middle school student, without her mother’s knowledge.

“I Got an Autograph of the President at Gyeonghee Palace” by Jeong Hye‐in, who is a fourth‐grade student at Gaju Elementary School, was chosen as one of the prize‐winning works. She explained that she received President Lee’s autograph when she participated in an essay contest on Children’s Day. At that time, President Lee was Seoul Mayor. She added that she is now a member of the Cheong Wa Dae Children’s Press Corps.

Because of the enthusiastic public response to the contest, Cheong Wa Dae is planning to hold another similar event for Korean expatriates and foreigners overseas.

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Grand Prize: Photogenic Award
President Lee and Me, May 2003
by Kim Yong‐koo from Sanggye‐dong, Nowon‐gu, Seoul

 This picture was taken when I met President Lee at Gyeongbok Palace in 2003 when he was Seoul Mayor. At that time, I happened to see the Mayor wearing the traditional costume of a scholar‐official of the Joseon Kingdom (1392‐1910) for the “Hi Seoul” festival. When I posed with him, I whispered to him, “You must run for president this time. I will help you with all my ability.” He didn’t say anything but his facial expression in the photo seemed to be his answer.

I was not a member of any party when the campaign for the presidential election was going on, but I showed this photo proudly to my family and relatives as well as friends, asking them to rally behind him and actively support him. How could I ever express my pleasure enough when he was elected President! I will continue to cherish this photo. I thank those who prepared this unexpected but pleasing event.

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Best Photo Award
I Got an Autograph of the President at Gyeonghee Palace
By Jeong Hye‐in from Garak‐dong, Songpa‐gu, Seoul 

In 2006 when I was a first grader, I took part in an essay contest held in Gyeonghee Palace on Children’s Day. At that time, I happened to get President Lee’s autograph, and I still keep it.

For the writing contest, I wrote a poem, saying that if I were Mayor of Seoul, I would write my autograph for every child who wanted it and invite them to my house, too. Unfortunately, I didn’t win a prize.

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Best Photo Award
My Mother’s Wedding
By Kim I‐jae from Dongan‐gu, Anyang, Gyeonggi‐do (Province)

Mr. President, when you were a lawmaker, my mother was your secretary. You participated in my mother’s wedding ceremony and took a photo with her. My mother told me that she learnt invaluable lessons from you and broadened the horizon of her experiences while working with you in her first job following graduation from university.

Though you were not good at opening your mind, my mother said that you were so warm‐hearted that you often took time out of your busy schedule to take care of your staff. I submit this photo for the contest hoping that it and my writing will encourage you when you are working hard to help solve various difficult issues at home and abroad.

Cheer up, Mr. President; way to go!

(Note: Kim I‐jae, a second‐year student in middle school, applied for the contest after taking the picture of her mother out of her wedding album without her knowing it. Her secret attempt finally came to light as her work was chosen as one of the best photos. Her mother complained saying, “Why do you make such a fuss?” She said she was very happy, though, to have received a MP3 player with an engraved emblem of the President thanks to her mother.)

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Best Photo Award
Fascinating President!!
By Kim Hui‐jeong from Uijeongbu city, Gyeonggi‐do (Province)

 I met President Lee at a meeting when he was Seoul Mayor. This photo was taken after the meeting. This candid shot captured him in a natural pose. It was a beautiful sight to see the Mayor reaching out to the underprivileged. He fascinated me on that day.