South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (second from right) with Filipino worker Ariel Galac (second from left), Galac's daughter (far left) and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung (Photo from President Lee's X account)

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had a reunion with a Filipino worker he helped as a human rights lawyer. 

In 1992, Ariel Galac was working in a factory in South Korea when he suffered a serious accident and lost his right arm. He was deported back to the Philippines without compensation. 

After 34 years, Lee met Galac again during his state visit in the Philippines on March 4. 

“I met someone who has remained deeply etched in my heart in the Philippines. It was Ariel Galac, whom I had met while working as a human rights lawyer in 1992,” Lee wrote on X. 

He added, “He suffered a serious accident while working day and night at a Korean factory, losing an arm. At the time, most foreign workers who suffered industrial accidents were sent back to their home countries without treatment or compensation, so Galac, too, had to return home.”

Lee assisted Galac with the retrial process. 

“After about a year, Galac was recognized for his medical treatment and received compensation. It was already 34 years ago, and time seems to have flown by,” Lee added. 

During his meeting with Lee, Galac said, "I am honored and grateful that you recognized me and gave me the opportunity to meet you. Although I suffered an accident, I always have fond memories of Korea, and I am grateful that you, as my lawyer, helped me achieve such a good outcome,” according to a briefing posted on the website of the Office of the President of South Korea. 

First Lady Kim Hya Kyung offered Galac a glass of watermelon juice and wished him good health and happiness.

When Lee asked what he was doing these days, Galac said he volunteers, providing guidance and advice to neighbors working overseas. 

When he mentioned that his daughter, who accompanied him, works as a customs broker, President Lee complimented him, saying, "You raised her well."

Afterwards, Lee presented him a copy of his autobiography, which details his relationship with Galac, and a commemorative photo was taken.

During the March 3 summit between the Philippines and South Korea, the two governments plan to further strengthen policy and institutional support to foster people-to-people exchanges and ensure a safe stay in each other's countries.

“Regardless of nationality, skin color, or language, the sweat shed in this land deserves respect. As President, I pledge to work even harder to ensure that foreign workers who visit Korea return home with warm memories,” said Lee. 

Lee wrote, “Mr. Ariel Galac, it was nice to meet you. Ingat (Take care)!”