Ambassador Kennedy,
board members and staff of
the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation,
ladies and gentlemen,
When I was a high school student,
I studied English with
President Kennedy’s famous speeches,
including his inaugural address and
the “Berlin wall” speech.
Reading through his words,
I came to respect John F. Kennedy.
The values he stood for,
and the way he viewed the world,
gave him the courage and determination
to accomplish social progress and
scientific advancement.
It was the spirit of “New Frontier.”
He showed us that
only those with real courage
can bring about innovation and reform.
His insight was a great lesson to me.
I am honored to receive this year’s
“Profile in Courage Award,”
a symbol of John F. Kennedy’s
New Frontier.
But at the same time, I ask myself
whether I deserve this award,
and whether I achieved such an innovation
and positive change.
Courage blooms on
utter sacrifice and dedication.
I once again
promise myself to make more efforts.
I am even more privileged
to take this honor together
with my dear friend
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
I know that this award
is a reminder of my solemn duty -
a profound sense of responsibility
placed upon the Republic of Korea,
the United States and Japan
to promote freedom and prosperity
around the world
by standing together in solidarity.
To light the path ahead of us,
we need to renew our courage
with greater dedication.
And as we continue
to take steps down that road,
I will keep counting on your support.
Thank you.