1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses how President Lee Jae-myung unexpectedly joined his staff for a Friday night dinner of samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) in order to support the local economy. He encouraged his employees to dine out and promised the government would do all it can to promote consumption.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 직원들 | jigwondeul | employees | The president dined with his employees. |
| 불금 | bulgeum | Friday night, weekend | The president joined his staff for a “bulgeum” samgyeopsal dinner. |
| 삼겹살 | samgyeopsal | grilled pork belly | The president and his staff enjoyed a dinner of samgyeopsal. |
| 대통령은 | daetongryeong-eun | the president | The president unexpectedly joined his staff for dinner. |
| 저녁 | jeonyeok | evening, dinner | The president had dinner with his staff on Friday evening. |
| 대통령이 | daetongryeong-i | the president | The president encouraged his staff to dine out and support the local economy. |
| 외식을 | oesikeul | dining out | The president promoted dining out as a way to support the local economy. |
| 직접 | jikjeob | directly, in person | The president personally poured drinks for his staff. |
| 소맥 | somag | soju and beer mix | The president poured “somag” (soju and beer) for his staff. |
| 골목경제 | golmokgyeongje | local economy | The president said that dining out can help revive the local economy. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
금요일 저녁, 이재명 대통령이 깜짝 삼겹살 외식을 했습니다. 직원들과 함께 식당에 모여 앞치마를 두르고 고기를 구웠습니다.
On Friday evening, President Lee Jae-myung unexpectedly joined his staff for a samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) dinner. They gathered at a restaurant, donned aprons, and grilled the meat together.
대통령은 직원들에게 소맥을 직접 따라주며 외식을 장려했습니다. 외식 한끼가 지역 경제를 살린다며, 정부가 소비 촉진을 위해 모든 역량을 동원할 것이라고 말했습니다.
The president personally poured “somag” (soju and beer) for his staff and encouraged them to dine out. He said that a single meal can help revive the local economy, and that the government will mobilize all its resources to promote consumption.
파견 공무원과 청와대 직원들도 이 자리에 초대받았습니다. 대통령은 직원들과 함께 식사하며 소통하고 격려하는 모습을 보였습니다.
Seconded civil servants and presidential office staff were also invited to the dinner. The president shared a meal with his employees, communicating and encouraging them.
대통령은 금요일 저녁 시간을 내어 직원들과 함께 삼겹살을 먹으며, 지역 경제 활성화를 위한 정부의 노력을 직접 보여주었습니다. 이를 통해 직원들의 사기를 높이고 지역 소상공인들을 지원하고자 했습니다.
By taking time on a Friday evening to enjoy a samgyeopsal dinner with his staff, the president directly demonstrated the government’s efforts to revitalize the local economy. This was intended to boost employee morale and support local small business owners.
대통령은 과로로 인해 응급실에 갔던 공무원을 초대하여 격려하기도 했습니다. 이를 통해 직원들의 복지 문제에도 관심을 기울이고 있음을 보여주었습니다.
The president also invited a civil servant who had been hospitalized due to overwork, encouraging and showing concern for the welfare of his employees.
이번 저녁 식사는 대통령이 직접 지역 경제 활성화와 직원 복지 증진에 힘쓰는 모습을 보여준 의미 있는 행사였습니다.
This dinner was a meaningful event that showcased the president’s personal efforts to support the local economy and improve employee welfare.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- Why did President Lee Jae-myung unexpectedly join his staff for a Friday night dinner?
- How did the president encourage his employees to dine out?
- What did the president say about the government’s efforts to promote consumption and support the local economy?
- Who else was invited to the dinner besides the president’s staff?
- What were the key goals the president wanted to achieve through this dinner event?
5. Cultural and historical notes
In South Korea, “bulgeum” (Friday night) is a popular time for coworkers to gather for a meal and drinks, often including Korean dishes like samgyeopsal. The president’s unexpected participation in this informal staff dinner reflects his efforts to connect with his employees and demonstrate support for the local economy, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This event highlights the president’s focus on improving worker welfare and reviving small businesses in local communities.