Yoon: "March 1st Movement Completed by Unification... We Must Move Toward a Free Unified Korean Peninsula" (Comprehensive)

105th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement Commemoration
Emphasizing Liberalism Rooted in the March 1st Independence Declaration
President Yoon: "Striving to Build a Prosperous Korea While Protecting Freedom"
South Korea-Japan Relations as Partners Sharing Values of Freedom, Human Rights, and Rule of Law
Referencing Diplomatic and Cultural Independence Movements: "Independence Is the Result of All Pioneering Efforts"

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 1st, "The March 1st Movement is only complete with unification where everyone enjoys freedom and prosperity."

At the 105th anniversary March 1st Movement commemoration ceremony held at the Yu Gwan-sun Memorial Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, President Yoon said, "Now we must move toward a free and unified Korean Peninsula where all citizens are the owners."

This is interpreted as a commitment not to compromise with the North Korean regime, which commits provocations against the South, tyranny, and human rights violations, and to strive for the expansion of universal values such as freedom and human rights for North Korean residents.

In this regard, President Yoon promised, "Our unification efforts must become hope and a beacon for the North Korean people," adding, "The government will not withdraw its helping hand toward North Korean residents, nor will it cease efforts to improve North Korean human rights." As part of this, the government has designated July 14th as 'Day of North Korean Defectors' starting this year.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The theme running through President Yoon’s March 1st Movement commemorative speech this year was 'freedom,' as exemplified by unification that enjoys freedom and prosperity. This reflects the idea that the March 1st Movement was a movement to restore Korea’s sovereignty and a nonviolent struggle for freedom, and that this belief developed Korea into a global pivotal state.

Early in his speech, President Yoon quoted a passage from the March 1st Independence Declaration: "Our nation seeks to develop freely forever and to keep pace with the great flow of world change shaped by humanity’s conscience," emphasizing, "At the root of the March 1st Independence Declaration was liberalism, a major current in world history at the time."

He further stated, "The blood shed by our ancestors soaked the land to sprout the seeds of freedom, believing that future generations could live happily in a country of freedom and prosperity," and emphasized, "Moreover, the March 1st Movement was a forward-looking independence struggle rarely seen in any history."

In particular, he paid tribute by saying, "The March 1st Movement dreamed of a new country where freedom was enjoyed by all regardless of age or gender, not the restoration of monarchy," and "The faith and hope of our ancestors have been realized as they wished."

He continued, "No hardship could stop our challenge toward freedom and prosperity. A country without capital or resources, devastated by war, built highways, nuclear power plants, and industries," adding, "Even in times when it was hard to secure meals, we looked to the future and spared no investment in science, technology, and education. I am truly proud of the great journey of our people who have overcome countless adversities and challenges," expressing his deep respect once again.

Regarding Korea-Japan relations, he said, "The March 1st Independence Declaration demanded that our independence was a path for both countries to prosper and that we open a new world based on understanding and empathy toward Japan," emphasizing the normalization of relations by stating, "Korea and Japan are moving forward together toward a 'new world' overcoming painful pasts."

With security cooperation against North Korean provocations, economic cooperation in industry, finance, and technology, and active civil exchanges, the normalization of Korea-Japan relations has been achieved. If trust is built and historical challenges are addressed together, the two countries can pioneer a brighter and new future.

President Yoon particularly noted, "We have become partners sharing the values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, pursuing common interests and cooperating for world peace and prosperity," and he mentioned, "I look forward to elevating Korea-Japan relations to a more productive and constructive level on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization next year."

He also mentioned the importance of independence movements not only in armed resistance, which has been the focus, but also in diplomacy, education, and cultural fields. President Yoon said, "Since the March 1st Movement, various forms of independence movements have unfolded both domestically and abroad," emphasizing, "All independence movements must receive proper evaluation, and their history must be correctly passed down through generations."

He added, "After the fall of imperialism, our independence was guaranteed as a result of all these pioneering efforts," stressing, "The blood and sweat of independence activists gathered to achieve the country’s independence and laid the foundation of the Republic of Korea."

In particular, he stated, "No one can monopolize history, and all citizens, as well as our descendants, should take pride and honor in Korea’s proud history," promising, "The government and I will devote efforts to ensure that the sacrifices and dedication of our ancestors from independence to nation-building and national revival are properly remembered."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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