Mrs. Kim “Everyone should enjoy culture and daily life, regardless of whether they have a disability”

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Seol Seung-eun = President Lee Jae-myung's spouse, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, visited a special exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of the promulgation of the Hangul Braille 'Hunmaengjeongeum' on the 7th, two days before Hangeul Day.

Mrs. Kim said in a congratulatory speech at the opening event of the special exhibition 'From Dot to the World: 100th Anniversary of Hunmaengjeongeum' held at the National Museum of World Characters in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon on this day, "I hope it will be a meaningful time to feel the warm love embraced by Hunmaengjeongeum and to reflect on the 100 years of light that brightened the darkness."

Mrs. Kim said, "100 years ago, Songam Park Doo-seong introduced to the world 'Hunmaengjeongeum', which allows anyone to read and write Korean using six dots," and added, "I am deeply grateful to the dedication of his entire life to each and every word of Braille so that all citizens can freely communicate with the world."

He then emphasized, “Teacher Songam’s sincerity that even the joy of learning and communication should not be taken away just because you cannot see is in line with the spirit of King Sejong, who created Hunminjeongeum with the heart of caring for all people.”

Mrs. Kim expressed her gratitude to the officials of each organization that prepared the exhibition and the descendants of Songam Park Du-seong, and repeatedly congratulated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Hunmaengjeongeum and the opening of the special exhibition.

Afterwards, Mrs. Kim went on stage with students from Incheon Hyegwang School, a special school for the visually impaired, participated in a lighting ceremony to match the exhibition's theme, "From Dot to the World," and then watched the special exhibition with them, Blue House Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong said in a written briefing.

Mrs. Kim gave her hands and elbows to help the visually impaired students move around comfortably, and looked around the exhibition slowly, keeping pace with the students. She also explained the exhibits and surroundings to the students.

One student even invited Mrs. Kim to the blind orchestra performance at Incheon Hyegwang School to be held on the 25th of next month, saying, "Please come visit the school."

After finishing the viewing, Ms. Kim said, "I hope that we can follow the path that Korean Braille has blazed over the past 100 years and take one step further toward a society where everyone, regardless of disability, can learn and communicate and enjoy culture and daily life together," Deputy Spokesperson Ahn said.