The following is an unofficial translation of President Park Geun-hye’s congratulatory remarks for the Herald Design Forum 2014 ― Ed. 


I extend my sincerest congratulations on the opening of the Herald Design Forum 2014.

Now in its fourth year, the forum has ceaselessly showcased fresh and innovative content every year to establish itself as a high-quality design festival.

It also deserves praise for providing a valuable platform where world-renowned designers can share their vision, knowledge and philosophy.

The government is pushing creative economy as the new paradigm of the Korean economy. The imagination, creativity and diverse ideas from each and every individual are ultimately what will drive the growth of this new paradigm.

As a field that demands constant imagination and a challenging spirit, design embodies the core concept of our creative economy.

Other similarities lie in that design, like the creative economy, is an area that creates new opportunities based on love and compassion for human beings.

This is why I believe the Herald Design Forum is the perfect venue for discussing the resonating impact design has on all facets of our society.

It is my hope for the discussions to provide an inspiration for the world of design, and also for Korea’s creative economy to pave the way for the forum to become a leading design convention for all of Asia.