President Lee Jae-myung hosted a luncheon meeting with major religious leaders at the Blue House at noon today to celebrate the New Year 2026. Under the theme
In his opening remarks, President Lee emphasized that ‘the most important thing for a president is national unity, but there are many limitations,’ and requested the religious community to play a significant role in helping citizens to harmonize and embrace each other. Representing the religious community, Venerable Jinwoo, the head of the Jogye Order and co-chair of the Korean Religious Leaders Association, expressed gratitude, stating, ‘Today’s luncheon demonstrates the president’s philosophy of valuing communication with the people,’ and added, ‘As important as national security is the security of the people’s hearts,’ hoping for continuous cooperation on the common task of ensuring the peace of mind of the people.
During the luncheon and subsequent meeting, candid exchanges of opinions took place on various national and social issues such as the problems of Shincheonji and the Unification Church, diplomatic achievements from visits to China, low birth rates, balanced regional development, and improvement of inter-Korean relations. Religious leaders particularly emphasized the serious harm caused by pseudo-religions like the Unification Church and Shincheonji, urging strict measures against their detrimental actions that affect citizens’ lives, and called for the restoration of religion’s role in bringing happiness to the people.
President Lee agreed, stating, ‘It is a very difficult topic, but the harm it causes to our society has been left unattended for too long, resulting in significant damage.’ The attending religious leaders requested the dissolution of religious groups that harm the nation and the people, suggesting that the assets of problematic religious foundations be used to compensate victims of pseudo-religions. Additionally, religious leaders praised President Lee’s criticism of anti-China and hate issues, noting that ‘hatred towards immigrants is becoming a breeding ground for fascism,’ and expressed that many citizens would agree with the proposal to break away from hatred.
Finally, President Lee asked the religious community to take the lead as social leaders in addressing important issues such as livelihood problems and peace on the Korean Peninsula. He urged them to provide guidance so that issues related to diplomacy and security, which are crucial for the survival of the national community, are not used as subjects of political strife. Religious leaders responded, ‘It is all our responsibility,’ to which President Lee replied, ‘It is our responsibility.’ The luncheon featured a Korean meal centered around vegetarian dishes symbolizing respect for life, peace, and non-violence, including bibimbap representing national unity, and concluded with a dessert symbolizing peace and reflection for the New Year, all in a calm and warm atmosphere.