President Lee Leads Cheong Wa Dae Luncheon to Advance Inclusive Society and Unity
Updated (2 articles)
Luncheon Unites Buddhist, Protestant, and Catholic Leaders On Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, President Lee Jae Myung hosted a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae that brought together top Buddhist, Protestant and Catholic figures, including Venerable Jinwoo of the Jogye Order, Archbishop Chung Soon‑taick and Bishop Lee Yong‑hoon [1][2].
Lee Pledges Unwavering Effort Toward Inclusive Korea Lee declared that forging an inclusive society and easing social conflict are the most important duties of his presidency, while acknowledging institutional limits to what can be achieved [1][2].
Religion Framed as Love, Partnering in National Healing He described the essence of religion as the practice of love and urged faith communities to continue interfaith work, receiving explicit support from Venerable Jinwoo, who pledged cooperation for peace in the hearts of the people [1].
Administration Aims to Restore Trust Through Interfaith Dialogue Spokesperson Kang Yu‑jung said the luncheon seeks to restore public trust, gather religious perspectives on division, and promote social cohesion across the nation [2].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: Lee Vows Inclusive Society at Cheong Wa Dae Luncheon with Religious Leaders: Details Lee’s pledge for an inclusive Korea, highlights the attendance of Buddhist, Protestant and Catholic leaders, and emphasizes his framing of religion as love and a partner in national healing .
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2.
Yonhap: Lee to Host Monday Luncheon with Religious Leaders to Discuss Unity: Announces the event, lists invited Catholic figures, and outlines the administration’s goal of restoring trust and gathering religious input for coexistence .
Timeline
Jan 12, 2026 – President Lee Jae Myung announces he will host a Monday luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae with Buddhist, Protestant and Catholic leaders to promote unity, restore public trust and gather interfaith perspectives on overcoming division [2].
Jan 12, 2026 – The luncheon convenes at the presidential office, bringing together Venerable Jinwoo of the Jogye Order, Archbishop Chung Soon‑taick, Bishop Lee Yong‑hoon and top Protestant figures, marking a broad interfaith outreach [1][2].
Jan 12, 2026 – President Lee pledges to spare no effort to build an inclusive Korean society, calling national reconciliation his core presidential duty while acknowledging the limits of presidential power [1].
Jan 12, 2026 – Lee frames religion as an expression of love and urges faith communities to continue interfaith work that fosters unity amid rising social conflict and hostility in the country [1].
Jan 12, 2026 – Venerable Jinwoo voices support for the president’s aims, stating that peace and stability are shared goals and offering collaboration to nurture peace in the hearts of the people [1].
Jan 12, 2026 – President Lee commits to ongoing national healing and reconciliation efforts beyond the luncheon, positioning religious groups as partners in fostering long‑term social cohesion [1].