Good morning, fellow Koreans,

Today, I would like to speak with you about some good news, something that will make you feel proud to be citizens of this Republic.

As you already know from reports in both the domestic and international media, the Republic became a member of the Development Assistance Committee of the OECD on November 25. Recognized as a leading forum of major industrialized nations within the OECD, the DAC is providing more than 90 percent of international aid. Korea has become the 24th member, and it is the only non-Western country to become a member other than Japan.

The United Nations Development Program, or UNDP for short, will close its Seoul office by the end of the year. It has been responsible for development assistance to Korea since 1963. Instead, it will open a Policy Center in Seoul on global development partnerships to help developing nations in cooperation with the Korean Government. This means Korea has now emerged as a donor, from its status as a beneficiary, which is significant both in name and in fact.

The Republic of Korea is the one and only country that has made such remarkable achievements among the newly independent nations since the end of the Second World War. I assume that any listeners over 50 may feel their hearts filled with mixed emotions by this fact.

There may still be many people who can recall chasing after U.S. soldiers hoping to receive chocolates and candies and having appeased their hunger with the flour and powdered milk donated by the international community.

About six decades ago, we suffered the Korean War after being liberated from Japanese rule. Now, Korea remains the only country in the world divided by Cold War rivalries. Enduring all these pains, however, we have achieved today’s accomplishments. It can be said to be a miracle pulled off by great Koreans and an amazing success story in world history.

In the process, however, Korea has received a lot of aid and assistance from the international community. There were many countries that supported freedom for Korea when it was liberated. There were numerous young people from other nations who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War for the sake of the universal value of free democracy. They did not even know where the Republic of Korea was located.

Gyeongbu Expressway, POSCO and the National Medical Center, to name a few, were built with the help of other countries. As such, international assistance constituted an integral part of the nation’s progress forward.

The Republic demonstrated that the assistance and collaboration from the international community was never wasted and that it was only right for such aid to be further expanded. In this regard, Korea was an exemplary beneficiary of international aid and cooperation in the 20th century. In the 21st century, the nation stands as a beacon for developing countries.

Now is high time for the nation to return in full what it owes the international community. Among other things, the Republic intends to share what it has experienced in achieving success with other countries across the globe. Together with the know-how that made possible political and economic success, we will share our ambition that served as one of the major driving forces behind the nation’s transformation into one of top-tier economic powerhouses from one of the world’s poorest nations.

By doing so, we will be making friends with as many people as possible. Many young Koreans have already been dispatched to about 40 different countries in the name of World Friends Korea. They are sparing no efforts to fulfill their volunteer service there. In addition, about 700 men and women in uniform are supporting peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the troubled spots of 14 countries. Their record on the scene is rated excellent.

In the years to come, the Government will increase the number of overseas volunteer workers to over 20,000. By 2015, Korea’s international aid will more than triple: the proportion taken by grants will also be on the rise.

As the host and chair of the G-20 Summit next year, the Republic will sound out what the less developed countries have to say and reflect them in the summit, thereby making endeavors to promote balanced development throughout the world.

My fellow citizens,

Still, some people often raise questions like, “Why do we come forward to help other countries at a time when our nation is also going through tough times?” and “Why do we have to get involved in other countries’ wars?”

Suppose you were in my shoes, how would you answer such questions? As far as I am concerned, to give helping hands to other countries is the Republic’s responsibility and duty. When individuals and companies reach a certain position in society, they are required to be more socially responsibile. The same is true in the international arena.

If we are to host the G-20 summit, move toward the center stage of the world and strive to become a genuine leading nation, we have to assume corresponding international responsibilities as well.

We received assistance from many other countries when we were having a hard time ourselves. We should not look the other way when other nations are undergoing the same kind of hardships we had. During the Korean War, about 37,000 young Americans lost their lives while fighting on our side, and more than 10 other countries sacrificed thousands of their soldiers for us. It is our natural duty to support the efforts to maintain global peace for the sake of all peoples.

Also we have to remember that our economy depends on selling goods and services to other countries around the world. We should not try to evade our responsibilities. It is not right to think that we only need to sell our products overseas and live well off the profits. When we fulfill our international responsibilities, I firmly believe our nation brand will increase in value accordingly.

At the same time, international assistance is a way to translate universal love for humanity into action. Korea helped build a maternity hospital in a poor area in Peru, which has been saving the lives of pregnant mothers and new babies.

Korea is also helping Montenegro install a new airport operation information system so that the new country, which is heavily dependent on tourist revenues, will be able to boost the incomes of many of its citizens.

Some of the Jordanian wastewater treatment facilities are financed by Korea as well so that the country will be able to overcome its water shortage and provide a lifeline for many households.

The Republic’s efforts to help bring about world peace and common prosperity are a joint investment to ensure a better future for all humanity. This is also the most effective way for our nation to win affection and respect in the international community. These efforts in turn will lead us to an even greater prosperity and peace.

It is that time again to bid farewell to the old year and usher in a new year. The Salvation Army charity bells will soon appear on the street, reminding us of the season of neighborly love.

When we share our love and serve other individuals, we are warming their hearts. But more than anything else, kind acts give us a feeling of abundance and happiness. I hope you will experience a warm week, indeed, spending some time with your neighbors.

Thank you very much.