Acting President Choi: "Putting All Efforts into 'Unity' Taught by the March 1st Movement... Korea-Japan Cooperation is Absolutely Necessary"

Commemorative Speech at the 106th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement Ceremony
First National Holiday Address as Acting President
"If We Fail to Overcome Conflict, Democratization and Industrialization Will Become a House of Cards"
"This Year Marks the 60th Anniversary of Korea-Japan Normalization... A New Chapter Must Begin"

Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, said on March 1, the March 1st Movement Day, "Shadows of conflict and division are deepening throughout our society," adding, "We must devote all our efforts to practicing unity to overcome domestic and international difficulties."

Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also the Minister of Economy and Finance, is delivering the 106th March 1st Movement Anniversary speech on March 1, 2025, at Soongui Women's University in Jung-gu, Seoul. 2025.3.1 Photo by the Presidential Office Press Photographers Group Yonhap News

Acting President Choi stated this in his commemorative speech at the '106th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement Ceremony' held at the Soongui Music Hall of Soongui Women's University in Jung-gu, Seoul, in the morning. He said, "An important lesson of the March 1st Movement is the spirit of unity, where our nation came together for a great cause."

He continued, "If we fail to overcome conflict and division now, the miracles of democratization and industrialization that we have built with blood and sweat will become a house of cards," emphasizing, "Above all, national unity is crucial to overcoming the crisis and creating a homeland that future generations will be proud of."

This is the first time Acting President Choi has delivered a national holiday commemorative speech in his capacity as Acting President. Following the precedent of the March 1st Movement speeches, which mainly focus on foreign relations, he mentioned both North Korea and Japan policies, while placing emphasis on a message of unity to minimize public conflict triggered by the impeachment political situation.

Acting President Choi particularly said, "We must further mature liberal democracy," adding, "We need to foster a culture of tolerance and cooperation and cultivate a strong economy that forms the foundation of unity."

He also mentioned the recovery of the people's economy, alleviation of economic polarization, and support for socially vulnerable groups, stating, "Through structural reforms in each sector, we must raise growth potential, actively respond to demographic crises and climate change, and open an era of local development where everyone prospers through balanced regional development policies." He added, "Let us build a 'future-oriented liberal democratic community' that respects diversity and trusts one another."

Regarding the response to international affairs, he pointed out, "Our ancestors cried out in anguish in the Declaration of Independence over the injustice of losing our country and the sorrow of being a small nation," adding, "The current international situation is not much different."

Acting President Choi said, "Which country in the world can entrust its fate to the goodwill of the strong?" and added, "Geopolitical risks are intensifying worldwide, uncertainties in industry and trade are increasing, and the international situation is rapidly changing."

He continued, "Our national power has reached a level comparable to advanced countries, unlike 100 years ago," emphasizing, "Based on this confidence, we aim to further strengthen our economic security capabilities and leap forward as a truly powerful nation."

Specifically, he emphasized advanced industries and scientific and technological competitiveness, saying, "We will devote all our efforts to promoting investment in game-changing fields such as advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and biotechnology, and to nurturing core talents."

Regarding North Korea issues, Acting President Choi stated, "North Korea's continuous provocations pose a great threat to the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia," and said, "We will firmly deter North Korea's provocations by maintaining a solid military readiness posture based on the ROK-U.S. alliance."

He added, "While responding strongly to North Korea's threats, we will always keep the door to dialogue open and manage inter-Korean relations stably," emphasizing, "We will make consistent efforts toward the unification of the Korean Peninsula."

As for the policy stance toward Japan, he said, "On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan this year, I hope the two countries can heal the painful wounds of the past and open a new chapter in Korea-Japan relations," adding, "Especially in the current severe international situation, cooperation between Korea and Japan is essential for an effective response."

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