Lee reaches out to migrant workers with winter clothes, vows respect at work

President Lee Jae Myung announced on Tuesday that he would be providing winter garments to migrant workers, following a recent controversy surrounding his remarks that undervalued their economic contributions. The South Korean leader penned a message on social media, revealing that on November 15, multiple organizations in Ulsan would collaborate to distribute both winter and work attire to these individuals. Lee also mentioned that he would personally contribute by sending out winter clothes as a personal gesture.

Lee emphasized that migrant workers are integral members of society who construct industrial facilities and nurture local communities. Despite their diverse nationalities and languages, he firmly stated that the value of labor remains consistent. To ensure the safety of these workers and to maintain respect in the workplace, the government would closely monitor the situation.

In the colder Korean winter, Lee noted, the absence of familiar surroundings and family members can make the climate particularly harsh. While a single outfit may not be sufficient to shield one from the freezing temperatures, he believed that the underlying intention behind this act of charity would provide a more enduring sense of warmth. The message from Lee emerged weeks after his downplayed comments about the workers' economic impact ignited public outrage.