On the occasion of the Lunar New Year on Friday, President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook have sent their best wishes to the country marking the start of the Year of the Ox amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

In a video greeting posted on the president's social networking site, President Moon empathized with the people who have postponed trips to their hometowns. While expressing regret that this major holiday - just like the last one in Chuseok - is one that leaves much to be desired, he also expressed hope that the country will return to normalcy free from face masks and business regulations in the new year.

The president expressed his thanks toward quarantine and medical personnel for their hard work during the holiday.  

First Lady Kim Jung-sook urged those watching to check in with their family via phone. Looking back on the year, she said she was filled with gratitude toward the Korean people. 

The government is urging people to refrain from trips and enforcing special quarantine measures for the holiday to prevent a possible spike in the infections.