Good morning, fellow Koreans,

Throughout the last week, I was thrilled to hear news from Vancouver.  All of you must have felt the same. Our young athletes have been truly awesome. I was overwhelmed, indeed, by the calm and composed manner in which our athletes competed against other world-class skaters in high-profile speed skating events. From their dauntless race filled with confidence, I saw the bright future of our nation. I am truly proud of them.

In the past, it was difficult for the older generation to even think about becoming the first in Asia, let alone the world. Even though they were genuinely capable, often they were not able to demonstrate their hard-honed skills to the full in big international competitions. The younger generation, however, are quite different. They do not fear or shy away from becoming the world’s best. And as we can see today, their dreams are coming true in every wonderful way we can think of. 

Media outlets around the world have expressed amazement at the astounding achievements of our young athletes. Reports after reports write that the results were beyond anyone’s imagination. They have also heaped praise upon praise on Korea. While being an exemplar country in overcoming the global economic crisis, Korea is proudly establishing its status as a winter sports powerhouse.

Such accomplishments, however, were not made overnight. What our young athletes are harvesting now is the fruit of immeasurable sweat and tears. Their painstaking efforts, perseverance and self-discipline have finally come to fruition. How many times did they have to fall down on the ice and sharpen their skate blades for today’s victorious moment?

I am deeply grateful to all members of our Olympic team who have delivered inexpressible joy to us in this time of difficulty. I also send applause to their families, coaches and officials involved.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the unwavering determination of one of our speed skaters, Mr. Lee Kyou-hyuk . The spirit of diligence that he has demonstrated in the Winter Olympics over the past 20 years deserves high recognition. Though he could not win the medal this time, I strongly believe that his relentless efforts have paved the way for the proud achievements of the young athletes today. I thus want to send a word of encouragement to Mr. Lee and all the other players who did their best to the end.

Over the past week, we were all overwhelmed with hope inspired by the great performances of the young Korean athletes in Vancouver. On the other hand, some distressing events took place at home. 

Though just a small number of students were involved, the after-graduation hazing came as a great shock to me. Among other things, the rebuttal of most of the offenders was truly heartbreaking. They said, “It is just a custom; we were also victims in the past.”

Physical violence and sexual harassment are continuing year after year and getting more serious. Yet, some students do not seem to grasp the seriousness of their misbehavior. How then can we point the finger only at those students? This is why I stress that this is not just simple misconduct but a cultural issue. I thought to myself that as President, I have to get the cane first.

Those who turned a blind eye to such misdeeds by students, including teachers and all adults, have to feel a sense of responsibility. This incident should serve as an opportunity to change the culture of our youth.

My fellow citizens,

What does the advanced nation we hope to build look like? Is it not a nation where fundamental values and norms are duly upheld? Is it not where there are strong emotional bonds between seniors and juniors at school, where teachers and students have complete confidence in each other, and where grown-ups set an example of what young people ought to be? 

What is urgently needed is effort to normalize practices associated with graduation. Fundamentally, though, we have to seriously mull over again the true meaning of education.

Education aimed at nurturing good citizens represents the nation’s basic planning for the next 100 years.

Future leaders of our country should be equipped with sound academic skills. At the same time, they should also strive to nurture wholesome bodies and minds as global citizens. Therefore, character building that emphasizes responsibilities, ethics and morals constitutes the objective of education as well as the mission of educators. True leaders of the future should be equipped with both good character and intellectual capabilities.

I would like to appeal to the nation’s teachers. When enterprises engage in business, they do their level best to make fine products. They even assume responsibility for the products that have been sold. Likewise, I hope teachers will nurture every one of their students with all their strengths and with all their hearts.

Family members are urged to do the same. Home is the alpha and omega of education. Don’t we already know too well that everyday education at home essentially decides the future of our children?

In connection with the incident this time, I am very concerned about the negative influence of TV and other visual media. I earnestly hope that the professionals in the broadcasting, film and Internet industry will stop and think carefully about the possible ill effects their products may have on young people.

Korea did not have capital, natural resources or experiences to speak of. Yet the nation has been able to pull through up to where we stand now in a very short period, largely through education. It is my firm belief that education should continue to play a crucial role in our march toward becoming a leading nation in the years to come.

Educational reform is a major task the Government is pursuing this year. I will make sure that the Government convenes the meeting on educational reform measures every month so that it will come up with changes readily recognizable by students, parents and teachers alike. Let us all join forces to raise promising leaders of our nation who will take good care of all peoples as well as their own compatriots in the future.

In this season of graduation and admission to new schools, I offer my warm congratulations to the members of the graduating and newly starting classes.

Thank you very much.