On March 1, marking the 107th anniversary of the March 1 Movement, President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to establishing a peaceful and coexistent system on the Korean Peninsula. He declared that his administration would firmly reject hostile actions towards North Korea and would not pursue unification through absorption.
With the anticipated U.S.-China summit approaching in late March or early April, President Lee expressed his intention to actively support dialogue between North Korea and the U.S. He urged North Korea to come to the negotiating table.
During his commemorative speech at the 107th March 1st Independence Movement Day ceremony held at Convention & Exhibition (COEX) in Seoul’s Gangnam district, President Lee stated that creating a peaceful Korean Peninsula where both sides grow together is the true way to fully inherit the spirit of the March 1 Movement. It must not ignore the clear lessons of history that show hostility and confrontation benefit neither side.
President Lee emphasized that it’s time to end the era of confrontation and conflict that has persisted for over half a century and move towards a peaceful and mutually prosperous Korean Peninsula. The government will respect North Korea’s regime and will not engage in any hostile actions or pursue unification through absorption.
He continued that it will consistently pursue necessary actions to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula and rebuild trust between North and South Korea. Last year’s unexpected drone infiltration incident was a serious matter that threatened peace on the Korean Peninsula. It will thoroughly investigate to ensure such incidents do not recur and establish institutional safeguards.
The President also mentioned that it will continue the efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea and, as a facilitator, communicate with the U.S. and neighboring countries to expedite the resumption of talks between North Korea and the U.S.
President Lee declared that it will make every effort to transition from the armistice system to a peace system through practical tension reduction between North and South Korea and cooperation with relevant countries. As North Korea establishes and implements its new five-year plan, he urges them to quickly come to the negotiating table so it can envision a new future together.
He concluded that he hopes the cries of our ancestors who longed for world peace will resonate again as a joint commitment between North and South Korea for a Korean Peninsula of peace and shared prosperity.