Park wants Korean style inauguration

Yoo Jeong-bok, vice chairman of the inauguration preparatory committee

By Chung Min-uck

President-elect Park Geun-hye ordered members of her presidential inauguration committee, Thursday, to utilize the occasion as a chance to promote Korean culture abroad.

The swearing-in ceremony is slated for Feb. 25 at the National Assembly square in Yeouido, Seoul.

“The inaugural ceremony is a good opportunity to advertise Korea,” said Park during a general meeting of the committee at the presidential transition team’s office in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, referring to the many international dignitaries and guests who will attend. “I hope, through the ceremony, the beauty of our traditional culture and image as an IT power house can be broadcast globally.”

Park went on to say it should help “unite the people in Korea.”

Last week, Kim Jin-sun, chief of the inauguration committee, said about 60,000 people will be invited to attend with half the invitations saved for ordinary citizens. Anyone can apply online or by mail by Jan. 27, and the winners will be chosen by a lottery.

On the same day, Park awarded certificates of appointment to the committee members including its vice chairman, Yoo Jeong-bok.

Besides the new order, one of the considerable changes for the upcoming ceremony is the selection of an agency to organize it.

Unlike previous events with large-sized firms being in charge, Park this time chose the independent medium-size company “Yonhanaro Communications.”

The move was in line with her promise to boost small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Meanwhile, the inauguration committee is currently preparing a list of participants.

Observers expect a large number of prominent international figures to attend, given Park’s 15-year-career as a politician, and her experience of serving as an acting first lady for some five years following the death of her mother Yook Young-soo in 1974.

International names that are being mentioned include China’s new leader Xi Jinping and female world leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Park’s speech at the inauguration ceremony is expected to give a broad picture of her vision and policies for the next five years.