(LEAD) Lee vows utmost efforts for inclusive society in meeting with religious leaders

▲ President Lee Jae Myung (L) speaks during a luncheon with religious leaders at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 12, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ President Lee Jae Myung (2nd from R) listens to remarks by Venerable Jinwoo (L), president of the Jogye Order and co-chair of the Korean Council of Religious Leaders, during his luncheon with religious leaders at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Jan. 12, 2026. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) Lee-religious leaders

(LEAD) Lee vows utmost efforts for inclusive society in meeting with religious leaders

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout; CHANGES headline, photos)

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung said Monday he will spare no efforts to help the nation move forward an inclusive society as he seeks to ease social conflicts and hatred in order to unite a divided nation.

Lee made the remarks during a luncheon with leaders from major religious communities, including Buddhism, Protestantism and Catholicism.

"I will make my best efforts to build a Republic of Korea in which people are united, forgive one another and embrace each other," Lee said, referring to South Korea's official name.

"I believe the most important role of a president is to unite the people. I am doing my utmost, but there are limitations," he added.

He expressed concern over rising social conflict and animosity, and asked religious leaders to continue playing a role in fostering unity and reconciliation, saying, "The essence of religion is the practice of love."

Venerable Jinwoo, president of the Jogye Order and co-chair of the Korean Council of Religious Leaders, echoed the sentiment.

"We share the president's wish for the peace and stability of the nation and its people," Jinwoo said. "We hope to work together toward the shared goal of peace in the hearts of the people."

The luncheon brought together leaders from major Buddhist and Protestant groups, as well as Archbishop Chung Soon-taick of the Archdiocese of Seoul and Bishop Lee Yong-hoon, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea.

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