During the August 15, 2009, 64th Korean Independence Day celebration, President Lee Myung-bak met with U.S. young environmental story writer, Jonathan Lee. The president invited Jonathan as a VIP guest to participate in the opening of the Green Growth Museum for Korea. They went into the museum to look and discuss the environment. Jonathan asked the president about the important of recycling. President Lee Myung-bak explained in detail about the importance of recycling and its effect on global warming.
64주년 광복절인 15일 이명박 대통령이 서울 광화문 KT빌딩에서 열린 녹색성장과 관련한 국내 첫 상설전시관인 녹색성장체험관 개관식에서 조너단리와 약 30분 동안 만나 대통령님과 환경에 대한 이야기를 나누며 같이 전시를 구경했다.
조나선 리 군는 대통령님께 재활용의 중요성을 물어 보고, 대통령님께서는 재활용의 중요성을 아주 자세히 대답해 주셨다. 그리고 청계천에 관한 이야기도 잠시 나누며 서로의 환경 켐페인을 이야기했다.
조나단 리 군은 대통령님과 가까워져 너무 기쁘다며 이 만남을 통해 지속적으로 자신이 하고 있는 세계유소년환경연대(I.C.E.Y.)에 대한 자문을 받고 싶다고 말했다.
Jonathan also talked to the president about Cheongye-cheon stream, which President Lee was responsible for changing into an eco-friendly stream. It used to to be covered with concrete blocks and was an eyesore for downtown Seoul. President Lee was very happy to hear that Jonathan knew about it and asked him to please visit it and experience how a city can be changed for the good.
They talked more about each others' campaigns and the meeting lasted about thirty minutes. At the end of the meeting, Jonathan said he was glad to be close to the president and talk to him about the environment. He said they are now good friends. He will continue to contact him to try and get advice about I.C.E.Y. (International Cooperation of Environmental Youth).
