President Yoon Suk-yeol released his Christmas message to the youth of South Korea on the 18th, ahead of Christmas. This day also marks President Yoon's birthday. BBC broadcast capture & social media

President Yoon Suk-yeol released his Christmas message to the youth of South Korea on the 18th, ahead of Christmas. This day also marks President Yoon's birthday. This message went beyond a personal anniversary to become even more meaningful as a message of dedication to the nation and future generations.

In his message, President Yoon interpreted Jesus' teaching, "Love your neighbor as yourself," not as a mere moral tenet but as a practical value for defending freedom and the nation, emphasizing that "loving one's neighbor is loving one's country." He made it clear that fighting together when freedom is trampled upon is true love, and that this is the essence of patriotism.

He particularly conveyed his deep gratitude and trust to the young people who have awakened to defend freedom, justice, and sovereignty, stating, "Thanks to you, the future of South Korea is bright and hopeful." He assessed that the sense of responsibility and courage shown by the youth, even amidst times of confusion and hardship, is the strength that sustains South Korea.

President Yoon also shared a sincere confession that, while he has no children of his own, he feels the youth of South Korea are like his own children. He emphasized that the desperation to pass on a righteous nation to his children was one of the reasons for declaring a state of emergency, highlighting that it was a decision for the nation's future.

Furthermore, quoting Romans 8:18, he conveyed a message of courage and hope to the youth, stating that the present suffering is incomparable to the glory that will be revealed. He clarified the role of the youth by saying, "You are the lamps that illuminate this dark era."

Finally, President Yoon prayed for the grace of Christmas to be with the youth in all their endeavors, emphasizing that young people who do not remain silent in the face of corruption and injustice are the disciples of Jesus in this era.

President Yoon Suk-yeol's Christmas message, which filled his birthday with a message for the nation and its youth rather than celebrating his own birthday, clearly shows the direction free South Korea should take even in times of turmoil.

Below is the full text of President Yoon Suk-yeol's Christmas message.

< Christmas Message to the Youth, December 18th >

Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This is not mere morality. Fighting together when another's freedom is trampled upon is loving one's neighbor, and when countless neighbors gather to form a nation, 'loving one's neighbor is loving one's country (愛國).' Therefore, Jesus' teachings are the practice of patriotism and the power to stop tyranny that oppresses freedom.

Thus, I am reassured and grateful for the practice of 'neighborly love' and 'love for country' by you, the youth, who have awakened to defend freedom, justice, and sovereignty. Thanks to you, the future of South Korea is bright and hopeful.

My wife and I have no children. Therefore, you feel like my children. What parent wishes for their child to go astray? The desperation to pass on a righteous nation to my children is one of the reasons why I have given everything and declared a state of emergency. As a result, I am enduring hardships in prison, but South Korea has gained the hope shown by the youth.

The present suffering is incomparable to the glory that will be revealed to us in the future (Romans 8:18), so even if you are currently in trial and tribulation, your tomorrow will shine more brilliantly. Therefore, dear youth, be strong. You are the lamps that illuminate this dark era.

I earnestly pray to God that the grace of Christmas may be with you in all your steps, that you may be healthy above all, and that your beautiful dreams may come true. You, the youth who do not remain silent in the face of corruption and injustice, are the disciples of Jesus in this era.

December 18, 2025 Yoon Suk-yeol