Yoon's Speech at UK Parliament: "Korea and UK Must Closely Unite to Respond to Challenges"

Toynbee's Quote "Civilization Repeats Challenge and Response" Cited
Urges Cooperation Across Past, Present, and Future of Korea-US Relations
Speech Title Also Applies Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" Passage

During his state visit to the United Kingdom, President Yoon Suk-yeol urged on the 21st (local time) that "Korea and the UK, which have written a dynamic history of creation, must closely unite and respond together to the many challenges facing the world."

In his speech at the British Parliament in Westminster Palace, London, on the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon quoted the famous saying of historian Arnold Toynbee that "civilization is born and develops through a process of repeated challenges and responses." This marks the second time a Korean president has delivered a speech in English at the British Parliament, following former President Park Geun-hye in 2013.

President Yoon's speech, titled 'A friendship to turn our challenges to pure opportunity,' was delivered in English for about 30 minutes. The Presidential Office explained that the title of the speech was inspired by a phrase from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, on a state visit to the United Kingdom, is delivering a speech at the Palace of Westminster, the UK Parliament, in London on the 21st (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

Emphasizing freedom, peace, and prosperity as the guiding principles of his administration and diplomacy, President Yoon first expressed, "I am deeply honored to stand before the British Parliament, the 'mother of parliaments.'" He evaluated, "The UK was a pioneer in modern world history. It laid the cornerstone of liberal democracy and blossomed the market economy order. The British people's belief that individual freedom is priceless gave birth to parliamentary democracy through the Glorious Revolution."

He added, "The establishment of parliamentary democracy in the UK spread to political revolutions in countries including the United States and France, leading to the establishment of democratic politics guaranteeing freedom and human rights worldwide. The Industrial Revolution, led by the UK from the late 18th century, achieved unprecedented rapid economic growth through innovations in production methods and economic paradigms."

Regarding the British Parliament, he emphasized, "In this regard, it is no surprise that London became the center of global finance from the early 19th century. By leading and spreading liberal democracy and market capitalism worldwide, the UK has had a profound impact on the expansion of human freedom and human rights, as well as remarkable growth and prosperity. I am well aware that the British Parliament has been the core driving force behind this great UK."

President Yoon called for close cooperation by reflecting on the past, present, and future of Korea-UK relations, which mark their 140th anniversary this year. He expressed gratitude by detailing the dedication of the UK and British people to Korea over the 140 years since the 1883 Treaty of Amity and Commerce. He personally mentioned John Ross, a missionary who translated the New Testament into Korean in 1887; Ernest Bethell, who founded the Daehan Maeil Sinbo newspaper in 1904 and led the Korean independence movement; and Frank Schofield, a veterinarian at Severance Hospital who came to Korea and led the establishment of independence movements and scholarship foundations.

He also expressed thanks to the veterans who fought during the Korean War when the UK deployed troops to protect Korea's freedom. President Yoon said, "The British Gloucestershire Regiment, led by Lieutenant Colonel James Carne, distinguished itself in the Battle of Seolmari at the Imjin River." He added, "As the Gloucestershire Regiment's motto says, 'We are remembered for our deeds,' the noble sacrifices of the British troops will remain forever in the memories of Koreans." He also expressed gratitude to Colin Tuckey, a Korean War veteran and honorary Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea, who attended the parliamentary speech.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, on a state visit to the United Kingdom, is delivering a speech at the Palace of Westminster, the UK Parliament, in London on the 21st (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon emphasized that Korea, which has become a leading nation in semiconductors, digital technology, and cultural content with the support of the UK and the international community, will write a new chapter in Korea-UK relations on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Taking advantage of President Yoon's state visit to the UK, both countries plan to strengthen cooperation across all areas of economy and security through negotiations to improve the Korea-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Downing Street Agreement, and upgrading diplomatic relations to a global strategic partnership. President Yoon stressed, "We will work with the UK to create a more open and free international order," and "Together with the UK, we will build sustainable growth and prosperity for humanity."

He pledged to overcome the complex crises facing the international community, including the war in Ukraine, North Korea's nuclear threats, Middle East issues, supply chain fragmentation, and the climate crisis, together with the UK. President Yoon said, "Peace cannot be maintained alone. Korea will stand in solidarity with the UK and the international community to fight against illegal invasions and provocations and uphold international norms and order." He emphasized, "We will join forces to strengthen political and economic security in the Indo-Pacific region."

He also called for cooperation in clean energy sectors such as nuclear power and hydrogen, as well as digital collaboration. Notably, President Yoon announced the Digital Rights Charter last September, and the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held the first AI summit earlier this month. Furthermore, he conveyed a desire for cooperation based on the shared history of proud challenges and responses, as well as the cultural and artistic appeal both countries possess. President Yoon remarked, "If the UK has The Beatles, Queen, Harry Potter, and David Beckham's right foot, Korea has BTS, Blackpink, Squid Game, and Son Heung-min's right foot."

In his speech, President Yoon also quoted Winston Churchill's saying, "The price of greatness is responsibility," urging "to contribute to a better future for humanity." He concluded by emphasizing future cooperation between Korea and the UK with a phrase from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: "Our friendship brings happiness, and it will turn the challenges we face into opportunities."

At the end of the speech, President Yoon received about 30 seconds of applause from all attendees. John McFall, Speaker of the House of Lords, expressed gratitude to President Yoon and mentioned that he regretted not hearing President Yoon sing "American Pie," which he performed in the United States last April.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, on a state visit to the United Kingdom, is delivering a speech at Westminster Palace, the UK Parliament, in London on the 21st (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.