'Former factory boy' Lee meets skills olympians: 'Tech talent is South Korea's future'

President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung hosted the national team athletes who finished second overall at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, at a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae's state guesthouse on Thursday.

Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kim Sung-wan announced the event in a written briefing that afternoon.

Before entering the dining hall, Lee toured works the athletes had made themselves.

Lee showed particular interest in a piece titled "Technology Fusion LNG Carrier" — a model of South Korea's shipbuilding industry rendered through four technical disciplines: industrial control, electrical control, welding and refrigeration technology. Lee asked detailed questions, including how refrigeration technology was incorporated into the vessel and whether each discipline was properly represented in the finished work.

"South Korea's growth into a world-class manufacturing powerhouse is the result of the sweat and passion of countless skilled workers who quietly honed their craft on the shop floor," Lee said. "You, our young skilled talent, are the very future of South Korea."

Lee said the government would work to ensure more young people can pursue their dreams through technical skills and that those with outstanding abilities receive the recognition and respect they deserve. He also asked the Ministry of Employment and Labor to pay close attention to support for the team and the treatment of medalists.

Lee Byung-hoon, president of the Human Resources Development Service of Korea and head of the national delegation, said the second-place finish was a valuable achievement but also left work to be done. "Host nation China poured national resources into nurturing young technical talent, taking first place overall and widening the gap with South Korea," he said.

Lee called on the government, the National Assembly and business leaders to give more attention and support so that more young people can take up the challenge with dreams of becoming skilled technicians.

Spokesperson Kim said the event carried added meaning as a president who once worked as a child factory laborer met young athletes who had grown into world-class skilled professionals, sharing the value of technical work and the dreams of youth.