On the 25th, President Yoon Suk Yeol stated, “South Korean military will maintain a firm readiness posture to ensure that North Korea never dares to threaten South Korea under any circumstances, and will respond decisively and overwhelmingly to North Korea’s provocations.”
Yoon attended the 74th anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Ceremony held at EXCO in Daegu that morning. In his commemorative speech, he stated, “The government will steadfastly protect South Korea’s democracy, and the lives of its citizens against North Korea’s provocations and threats.” This event marks Yoon’s first attendance at the 6/25 commemoration since taking office, where he also condemned the recent treaty between North Korea and Russia.
He criticized, “North Korea persists in the path of regression, remaining as the last bastion of the earth,” adding, “Disregarding the harsh lives of its residents, it ruthlessly suppresses the human rights of its compatriots while solely focusing on the regime’s security.”
Yoon pointed out, “Despite repeated warnings from the international community, North Korea continues to escalate its nuclear and missile capabilities and incessantly devises provocations. They do not hesitate to resort to despicable and irrational provocations, such as the recent spread of waste balloons.”
Yoon criticized, “Last week, Russia, which initiated the war in Ukraine, entered into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with North Korea. It even promised to enhance military and economic cooperation, directly violating UN Security Council resolutions. This can only be seen as regressive actions contrary to the progress of history.”
Yoon stated, “As we mark the 70th anniversary, we will strengthen our resilient and robust ROK-U.S. alliance foundation to solidify our freedom and peace even further, standing in solidarity with nations that share the values of freedom.”
He emphasized, “Peace is not upheld through mere words. Strong power and steadfast security posture are the way to protect the country and its people and achieve genuine peace on this land.”
Yoon referred to the Korean War as “an irreversible tragedy caused by the North Korean regime, captured by the ambition of communist unification.” He continued, “Daegu, where we are opening the 74th anniversary of the Korean War today, was the place that supported South Korea as a temporary capital for the first 33 days of the war.”
He stated, “If we become stronger and unite as one, the reunification of a free and prosperous Republic of Korea will not only be a distant future. This is indeed a way to repay the noble sacrifices and dedications of our heroes and continue the spirit of patriotism in earnest.”
This year’s event was held in Daegu to highlight pivotal battles in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region such as the Battle of Tabu-dong, Yeongcheon, and Pohang, which marked turning points in the war, and aimed to express gratitude to the resident veterans for their contributions.
About 1,300 people attended the event, including war veterans, key government and military officials, diplomatic envoys from UN participating countries, members of the National Assembly, and ordinary citizens. First Lady Kim Keon Hee was also in attendance.
Yoon personally awarded the Order of Military Merit to the families of the late Sergeant Jung Jeong Tae, who destroyed enemy tanks with grenades during the Korean War, and Sergeant Gu Nam Tae, who infiltrated enemy lines during the Noryangjin battle in 1950 to arrest spies. He expressed gratitude for their contributions in defending the Republic of Korea’s freedom.