정총리 "한글정신 따라 문화•경제•방역 선도국가로"
Today, October 9th, is Hangeul Day, a public holiday celebrating the invention of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul, in the 15th century.
A ceremony was held this morning in Seoul, attended by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun.
In his speech, Chung said the underlying spirit of Hangeul is to make Korea a leader as a country,...adding that it is leading in the fields of culture, economy and quarantine.
He also noted the global popularity of the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, saying it's thanks in part to the Korean alphabet.
"The exponential growth of Hallyu culture is based on Hangeul. Hangeul is attractive due to its originality, creativity and abundant words."
Hangeul was invented by King Sejong in 1446 as part of efforts to expand literacy among the general public.
Separately today, on social media, President Moon Jae-in said that more people around the world are becoming aware of Hangeul through K-pop, dramas and webtoons,... and he feels proud when young people in other countries sing along to Korean songs.
The president vowed continued efforts to promote the Korean language -- which he noted people preserved despite Japan's colonial rule over the country in the early 20th century, and which later paved the way for the country's economic growth and democratization.