President Lee Jae-myung proposed on August 15 to "end the war and transform the unstable armistice system on the Korean Peninsula into a peace system," urging the parties involved to begin discussions to conclude the long-standing conflict.
In his speech at the 81st Liberation Day ceremony, President Lee presented 'inclusive peaceful coexistence,' 'stable peaceful coexistence,' and 'responsible peaceful coexistence' as the three main principles of his administration's policy toward the Korean Peninsula.
He explained that this is a concrete blueprint to translate the principles of respecting North Korea's regime, excluding absorption unification, and halting hostile actions, which he outlined in last year's Liberation Day speech, into action.
“Today, one year later, I want to present a blueprint to move beyond principles to practice,” he said, emphasizing that both North and South must respect each other and cease unnecessary confrontations.
He urged, “We must reduce hostility from our perceptions, norms, and systems,” expressing hope that the two Koreas can sit down together for peaceful coexistence and joint growth. He stressed that this is not about concessions but the beginning of coexistence.
President Lee also promised to establish institutional safeguards to control military tensions and prevent accidental clashes.
“We need to create systems to manage tensions and conflicts and multiple layers of safeguards to prevent crises and escalation,” he stated, pledging to take proactive and sustained peace measures while comprehensively reviewing the security situation around the Korean Peninsula.
He added, “I will work to elicit a positive response from the North to create a stable Korean Peninsula,” expressing hope that their efforts would lower military tensions in border areas and serve as a foundation for building trust and stability.
President Lee highlighted that peace on the Korean Peninsula is a starting point for stability in Northeast Asia and a world free of nuclear weapons.
“Peace on the Korean Peninsula will promote stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia and serve as a milestone toward a nuclear-free world,” he said, suggesting that discussions could also lead to effective measures to halt the enhancement of North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
He defined the government's role as a 'facilitator' and a direct party to peace on the Korean Peninsula. “I will transform the energy of hostility and confrontation into the driving force for peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity,” he affirmed, committing to fulfill his responsibilities as a facilitator and a party to peace.
Regarding South Korea-Japan relations, President Lee expressed intentions to expand practical cooperation based on a sincere acknowledgment of historical issues.
He noted that over the past year, the two countries have built a foundation of trust through shuttle diplomacy and have expanded cooperation in supply chains, energy, and advanced industries. He also mentioned the increased exchanges between future generations.
“Moving forward, we will broaden the horizons of cooperation for mutual benefit based on practical diplomacy,” he said.
However, he made it clear that a continued development of relations requires Japan's understanding and sincerity regarding historical issues.
“Trust comes from understanding each other's pain and genuine empathy,” he stated, acknowledging that victims and their families still carry the scars and pain of the past.
He referenced the 1998 Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration, noting that while there have been conflicts in the history of South Korea-Japan relations, there have also been efforts to open the future based on courage and sincerity in facing the past.
“The light of the new South Korea-Japan relationship we will create should provide warmth to those who still endure pain in the shadows of history,” he said, expressing hope to open a new 60 years of peace and prosperity with the Japanese government as 'close neighbors.'
In his speech, President Lee also introduced 'indispensable Republic of Korea' and 'new liberation' as the new national vision.
“We need a new liberation that will elevate the Republic of Korea to the next level, shining the light of liberation, industrialization, and democratization,” he said, emphasizing the need to become a country that the world needs, one that every nation wants to cooperate with, and an indispensable Republic of Korea that no other country can replace.
To achieve this, he announced plans to completely reallocate national resources and capabilities and redraw the growth map. He aims to expand growth hubs concentrated in the metropolitan area across the entire country and increase growth potential through active investment in future industries.
“When the results of innovation and opportunities for future growth are evenly distributed, a bold vision will illuminate every corner of the people's lives and foster the courage to face new challenges,” he stressed.
Building a 'ladder of opportunity' for youth was also highlighted as a key task.
“I will create a robust ladder of opportunity that encompasses the entire life cycle, so that young people taking their first steps in society do not become discouraged by failure and can rise again at any time,” he promised, assuring that the government will strongly support today's youth to become the leaders of tomorrow.
He also pledged to strengthen the recognition of independence activists and recover pro-Japanese assets. The government will expand recognition for surviving patriots and independence activists, increase the discovery and awards for unrecognized independence fighters, and actively establish memorial facilities for independence movements both domestically and internationally.
President Lee stated that under the Pro-Japanese Property Recovery Act enacted on June 2, he will investigate and recover assets unjustly accumulated by pro-Japanese collaborators, holding them accountable in history. He noted that the recovered assets will be used to support and honor independence activists and their families.
He called for national unity and cooperation from the political sphere. “Differences should not become hostility, and hatred, exclusion, and conflict should not hinder the nation's progress,” he said, emphasizing that in the face of global economic competition, the people, government, central and local authorities, businesses, and labor must all be one team.
He added, “The government of the people will take the lead in politics of compromise and coexistence, respecting differences while seeking common solutions and competing while uniting for the future of the nation.”
President Lee outlined four directions for the new liberation: 'liberation of hope' from the frustrations of growth and future anxiety, 'liberation of opportunity' that allows anyone to challenge beyond imbalance and inequality, 'liberation of balance' where possibilities bloom across the nation, and 'liberation of peace' that removes the threats of war and confrontation.
“The leap of the Republic of Korea will lead to global prosperity, our culture will connect the world, and peace on the Korean Peninsula will contribute to world peace, achieving the indispensable liberation of the Republic of Korea,” he stated, vowing to boldly lead toward a world of freedom, equality, coexistence, and mutual prosperity that the forebears envisioned.
Meanwhile, the event was attended by over 3,000 people, including independence activists, descendants of independence fighters, key national figures, representatives from political parties and religious groups, the diplomatic corps in South Korea, as well as citizens and students.
The ceremony proceeded with an opening declaration, national ceremony, a commemorative speech by the head of the Liberation Association, a theme video presentation, awards for independence activists, the President's congratulatory speech, celebratory performances, singing of the Liberation Day song, and a three cheers salute.
During the national ceremony, actor Ha Do-kwon, who portrayed Kim Gu in a documentary on liberation, recited the pledge. Vocalist Hwang Soo-mi led the singing of the national anthem.
The theme video highlighted the dreams of historical figures like Kim Gu, Ahn Chang-ho, and Lee Hoi-young, who aspired for a brighter future during dark times, showcasing their legacy as a 'relay of dreams' that continues to this day.
President Lee personally awarded honors to five independence activists, including the late Choi Jun-rye, who contributed to women's enlightenment and supported the provisional government, among the 283 selected for recognition this Liberation Day.
The celebratory performances depicted how the dreams realized through the blood and sweat of the forebears have transformed into the South Korea that the world now recognizes.
Finally, President Lee and his wife, the head of the Liberation Association, descendants of independence activists, future industry talents, and representatives from various sectors joined on stage to shout three cheers together. During this moment, a video of historical figures, including Kim Gu, recreated by generative AI, was displayed, creating a meaningful moment of connection between the past and present of the Korean people.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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