At the start of this promising New Year, I would like to send my greetings to all of our members and Zainichi.

May the New Year bring you peace, prosperity and joy.

This year South Korea celebrates its 60th foundation anniversary on August 15th, making 2008 a meaningful year for Koreans all over the world. Mindan as the residential organization of the Zainichi, derived from the Japanese colonization of Korea, has some special memories.

On September 1948, right after the foundation of South Korean government, Mindan was officially acknowledged as the sole democratic organization representing Zainichi Society. Mindan changed its name from 'Chosun Residents Mindan' to 'South Korea Residents Mindan' and completed building its nationwide network with 49 local headquarters, 356 branches on October. Facing the fact that 23 local headquarters were newly organized in a single year, one can easily presume how great the foundation of South Korean government encouraged Mindan.

Since 1948 Mindan and South Korean government worked as one to overcome various difficulties. We all share strong pride for our country which grew up as one of the Top 10 democratic economies, despite alll kinds of trials such as Korean War.

Prosperity of South Korea and unchallenged position of Mindan, as leading organization of the Zainichi Society, could not be accomplished without the history of interdependence. As the head of Mindan, I will do my best to strengthen our relationship with Korea.

To all Zainichi!

We who desire future prosperity should not stay idle. There are numerous political and economical issues to be solved for both Korea and Zainich Society.

While China and India have marked dramatic economic rise and Russia has revived as superpower Korea, at its way to enter into the advanced economies, is making no economic progress facing military threat and economic burden caused North Korea. We all hope that the new president Lee will take leadership and make a rapid progress.

The first thing necessary to Korea is to clarify its goal and gather together its potential power. Recently Korea has faced severe complications with split public opinion on policies towards North Korea, blocking itself from further growth.

However we believe that the 60th anniversary will provide Korea with the chance to heal its social conflicts and to recover its national power once again.

Mindan as one of the main overseas Korean organizations should take a part in this mission, which in return will strengthen the existence of Zainichi Society and Mindan. If Korea with the values of liberal-democratic system and market economy, strengthens its relationship with Japan, the stability and prosperity of East Asia will be promoted. Furthermore it will make clear that Mindan with its 'symbiotic ideology' have come the right way.

The need to strengthen Zainichi fundamental

Zainichi Society, that Mindan depend upon, should overcome economic downturn. Recently excessive competition and toughened regulations have damaged service sector, such as restaurants and Pachinko, which forms the basis of Zainichi economy. Furthermore the operation of Mindan and Ethnic Financial Institutes is being challenged.

Activating Zainichi economy is the most important issue. I dare emphasize that this is an issue not only affecting today but the future of the Zainichi Society.

To accelerate financial independence, Mindan has established Business Unit and Financial Stability Committee and organized profit-seeking unit. But we should remember that all these efforts can only be materialized with fundamental of Zainichi economy.

While encouraging Zainichi entrepreneurs, Mindan will cooperate with Ethnic Financial Institutes, Korean Industrial Chamber of Commerce, and Zainichi Women Association to boost Zainichi economy. Let us all gather our wisdom.

Withdrawal is not a choice

To all Zainichi!

Although we are facing difficult financial conditions Mindan will not downsize nor withdraw its activities.

Since I was elected on September 2006, last year was the first whole year for me to carry out various activities. Continuing aftereffect of 5.17 incident and problem concerning South Korean government subsidy placed us in a dilemma whether to compromise with the financial weakness or to struggle for future stabilization. I believe Mindan has spent year 2007 to gather Zainichi's potentials fighting against stagnation. I would like to pay respect to all Mindan executives and Zainichi nationwide.

I sincerely hope this year will become a fruitful year for each and every Zainichi.