President Lee visits veterans hospital, vows to prevent war

President Lee Jae Myung visited the Central Veterans Hospital on Saturday after attending the Memorial Day ceremony, comforting veterans receiving inpatient treatment and pledging to "prevent war from breaking out."

Cheong Wa Dae Deputy Spokesperson An Gwi-ryeong conveyed the details in a written briefing that day. Lee and his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, visited hospitalized veterans and their families, asking after their wellbeing with questions such as "What are you being treated for?" and "Are you receiving good care?" An said the couple also crouched down to shake hands with veterans seated in wheelchairs and posed for photos with them.

The Central Veterans Hospital is a general medical institution under the Korea Veterans Health Service, established in 1961 to provide medical care and rehabilitation to veterans and persons of national merit. It operates a regional emergency medical center and offers integrated nursing and care services as well as comprehensive medical services.

"The president and first lady then moved to a ward on the seventh floor of the Central Building, where veterans are hospitalized, guided by hospital director Shin Ho-cheol," An said. "They met with the veterans one by one, checking on their treatment progress and health and offering words of comfort. They also expressed deep gratitude for the veterans' sacrifice and dedication to the country and wished them a swift recovery."

During the visit, Hwang Dae-sik, a Vietnam War veteran who served with the White Horse Division, told the president the hospital was "very comfortable and pleasant." Lee replied, "Still, you should get better quickly and be discharged soon."

Another Vietnam War veteran who served with the White Horse Division, Park Hyeong-u, said he was "ready to sacrifice for the country" and asked to be "sent back to the front line if war breaks out again." Lee responded, "I am grateful for that spirit."

"It is thanks to your sacrifice and dedication that the Republic of Korea has become a country recognized by the world today," Lee told the veterans, repeating his thanks. Kim also wished them a speedy recovery, saying she hoped they would "take good care of their health."

After the ward visits, the couple stopped by the nursing station to encourage the medical staff on duty and thank them for their hard work, An said. Lee also stressed that honoring persons of national merit is a fundamental duty of the state, and asked hospital staff to ensure that veterans and their families faced no inconvenience during their stay.

An added that Lee and Kim presented red ginseng gift sets to more than 8,800 veterans and their families currently hospitalized at veterans hospitals and contracted medical institutions across the country, including those they met that day.