'Be a dignified elder': South Korea marks 30th Senior Citizens' Day

The Korea Senior Citizens Association held a ceremony Friday to mark the 30th Senior Citizens' Day.

The event, hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and organized by the Korea Senior Citizens Association, was attended by President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung, Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong, Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok, PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok, and Health and Welfare Committee Chairman Lee Man-hee, along with other senior government and National Assembly officials and association members.

Association President Lee Joong-keun used the ceremony to emphasize the ideal of being a "dignified elder," expressing gratitude and respect for seniors who have devoted their lives to the nation, society and their families.

This year's ceremony reflected on the contributions of the older generation in driving the country's development and explored ways to strengthen the role, rights and welfare of seniors in a super-aged society. Six centenarians were presented with cheongnyeojang — traditional longevity canes — and 10 individuals who have contributed to senior welfare and social development received government commendations, including eight medals and citations and two presidential commendations.

President Lee said today's Korea, as an economic and cultural powerhouse, owes its success to the dedication of its elders. "The government will look after seniors with care so they can enjoy a healthy and happy retirement," he said. "I will do my utmost to build a mature society where the elderly understand the hardships of the young, and the young respect their elders."

Association President Lee said the prosperity, freedom and growth South Korea enjoys today are the result of the quiet dedication of its seniors to the nation and society. "The Korea Senior Citizens Association will work with the government to respond to the demographic shifts of a super-aged society — raising the official age threshold for seniors, improving related systems, enacting a law to guarantee seniors' rights, and expanding social participation — so that older Koreans can enjoy an active daily life," he said.

Lee, who has long championed the idea of being a "dignified elder," has highlighted four policy priorities for advancing seniors' rights and welfare: raising the official senior age threshold, promoting a home-based end-of-life care system, establishing a dedicated population ministry, and building a central headquarters for the Korea Senior Citizens Association while supporting its volunteers. Lee has also been at the forefront of efforts to designate UN Day as a national holiday to honor the service of UN forces who fought for South Korea's freedom and peace during the Korean War.

Meanwhile, Booyoung Group's cumulative donations through various social contribution activities — including history, veterans' affairs and scholarship programs — have surpassed 1.22 trillion won ($897 million). The group received the best residential welfare service award at The Herald Business's "Home I Want to Live In 2026."