Lee Myung-bak quotes

Lee Myung-bak is a South Korean politician and businessman who served as the President of South Korea. Known for his previous role as CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction and later as mayor of Seoul, he played a prominent part in shaping economic and infrastructure policies. He has been a controversial figure, facing legal challenges after his presidency related to corruption allegations. Here are 18 of his quotes:

On the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, I remain grateful to America for having participated in the war. At that time, the Republic of Korea was one of the most impoverished countries, with an annual per capita income of less than $40. In 2009, my country became a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Development Assistance Committee, the first aid recipient to become a donor and in only one generation. The Republic of Korea is engaged in peacekeeping missions in 14 countries to promote global peace. It will host the G-20 summit in November, and in 2012 the second nuclear security summit. (Lee Myung-bak)
On this significant occasion, all Koreans pay tribute to the heroes fallen in defense of freedom and democracy. I firmly believe that future generations in both countries will further advance the strong Republic of Korea-U. S. alliance into one befitting the spirit of the new age. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
Korea is an open society and we will make sure that there is no restriction on foreign investment in Korea. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
Well when I was young, actually not just me, but we were all poor. Korea used to be one of the poorest countries in the world. Despite such circumstances, I was very, very fortunate to be blessed with having parents who always instilled in a spirit of can-do spirit. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
I plan to eliminate regulations that hinder domestic companies, particularly large conglomerates from investing in other companies. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
From the Chinese perspective, Korea ranks about third or fourth in terms of trading volume and about third in terms of investment. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
I plan to eliminate the equity cap in investment, and I also plan large-scale deregulation to meet global standards. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
The Republic of Korea has emerged as an important partner of the United States in many parts of the world. Also, in the course of investigating and responding to the North's March sinking of our naval vessel the Cheonan, Seoul and Washington have closely coordinated efforts and expertise. In all these endeavors, we are not losing sight of the necessity of eventually turning the Korean Peninsula into a cradle of regional and world peace. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
Sixty years ago, at dawn on June 25, the Korean War broke out when Communist North Korea invaded the Republic of Korea. In response, 16 member countries of the United Nations, including the United States, joined with the Republic of Korea to defend freedom. Over the next three years of fighting, about 37,000 Americans lost their lives. They fought for the freedom of Koreans they did not even know, and thanks to their sacrifices, the peace and democracy of the republic were protected. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
I know that throughout their history, the people of the United States defended their freedom, their liberty, their justice, and their rights -- if need be -- with their lives. I think their courage is so admirable. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
The role of G-20 is to support the global economy to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth. (Lee Myung-bak)
My wife, well she has extensive experience, because before becoming the first lady, she was the wife of the CEO of a large conglomerate. So I have very high hopes that she will carry out her job successfully as first lady of the Republic of Korea. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
One of the most important reasons for North Korea continuing its nuclear ambitions is to consolidate the power to stay within the Kim Jong Il family. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
I think it's safe to say that it's rather premature for anyone to make any initial assessment or analysis of Kim Jong-un, or have an accurate impression on Kim Jong-un. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
The endgame is peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
When the Korean economy was just trying to get back on its feet after the war, having parks was a luxury. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
For us, from Korea's perspective, China is the number one investment destination as well as number one trading partner. View quote
Lee Myung-bak
What we have is North Korea still pursuing path to a nuclear weapon state. So the majority of people's trust in North Korea has gone down considerably. View quote
Lee Myung-bak