President Lee: "Will Open an Era of Joint Growth Between North and South Korea to Shift to a 'Korea Premium'" (Comprehensive)
Attended NUAC Inauguration as Chairperson
"Unification is an Inevitable Path... No to Absorption or Oppression"
"Some Political Forces Provoked War to Justify Martial Law"
"Ending the State of War on the Peninsula... Pursuing a Nuclear-Free Korea
On December 2, President Lee Jaemyung announced his intention to transform the cost of division arising from hostile inter-Korean relations into a growth engine based on peace, thereby shifting the so-called "Korea Risk" into a "Korea Premium." President Lee emphasized that "peace is the economy, people's livelihoods, and practicality," pledging to build a Korean Peninsula free from the fear of war and to usher in a new era of "peaceful coexistence." He also stated his commitment to pursuing cooperation for "joint growth" between North and South Korea. Regarding unification, President Lee reiterated that it is a path that must eventually be taken, stressing that it should not be achieved through unilateral absorption or oppression by one side, but rather through a peaceful and democratic process that everyone can willingly agree to.
President Lee began his speech at the inauguration ceremony of the National Unification Advisory Council (NUAC), held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, with unscripted remarks. He stated, "Unification is a path that the divided Republic of Korea must inevitably take," adding, "Whether it takes years, decades, centuries, or even thousands of years, it is a path we must follow, and that path must be based on peace." He continued, "Unification achieved through unilateral absorption or oppression is not true unification," and emphasized, "Only democracy, where all members of the Korean Peninsula are respected and participate in decision-making as sovereigns, can serve as the foundation for unification." President Lee attended the inauguration as the Chairperson of the NUAC.
In his prepared speech, President Lee pointed out that the ongoing state of war and the division system have hindered the development of democracy and politics, as well as impeded economic growth. He specifically criticized the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which declared the "12·3 Martial Law," accusing certain political forces of making dangerous attempts to provoke war under the pretext of division in order to justify martial law. President Lee stated, "Ending the war, overcoming division, and establishing lasting peace are the ways to complete our democracy," adding, "When North and South Korea engaged in dialogue and cooperation, people's lives stabilized and hope for the future flourished, but when confrontation and conflict escalated, politics, the economy, and democracy were all threatened."
President Lee further connected the value of peace on the Korean Peninsula to the economy and people's livelihoods, stressing that a state where there is no need to fight is the best choice for both Koreas. He said, "Peace is another word for growth and the driving force of prosperity. In other words, peace is the economy, people's livelihoods, and practicality. Rather than winning through conflict, establishing a robust peace-where there is no need to fight-is the best choice for both North and South Korea." He then referred to the relationship between the United States and China, stating, "Even as the United States and China clash intensely, they also engage in dialogue and cooperation. Yet, uniquely, North and South Korea remain hostile and in conflict without dialogue or cooperation."
To resolve this hostility, President Lee pledged to improve inter-Korean relations with sincerity and patience. He noted, "Inter-Korean dialogue has been suspended for an unprecedentedly long period, and the North has declared a 'hostile two-state relationship.' Even in urgent situations, all communication channels have been cut off, which is truly regrettable." Nevertheless, he added, "If we sincerely reach out first and make patient efforts, the North's attitude can also change."
Pursuing a Nuclear-Free Korean Peninsula and Proposing Restoration of Inter-Korean Communication Channels... "Will Act as a Pacemaker for North Korea-U.S. Dialogue"
President Lee specifically outlined directions for easing inter-Korean tensions, denuclearization, and resuming dialogue. He said, "Since its inauguration, the government of national sovereignty has proactively taken measures to reduce military tensions and restore trust between North and South Korea. Going forward, we will continue to take active and preemptive steps to lower military tensions along the Military Demarcation Line and eliminate the possibility of accidental clashes."
Regarding denuclearization and a peace regime, President Lee stated, "We will continue efforts to end the state of war on the Korean Peninsula, pursue a nuclear-free peninsula, and establish solid peace." He particularly emphasized, "It is unrealistic to attempt nuclear armament by enduring massive international sanctions like the North, and our own nuclear armament runs counter to the principle of a peaceful, nuclear-free Korean Peninsula," once again drawing a clear line against calls for nuclear armament.
President Lee referenced the South Korea-U.S. summit held in Gyeongju, noting, "President Donald Trump of the United States has also officially stated his intention to work toward resolving the state of war on the Korean Peninsula. Through South Korea-U.S. cooperation, we will strive to establish lasting peace on the peninsula. As a 'pacemaker,' we will actively support North Korea-U.S. dialogue and consult with relevant countries."
He also proposed restoring inter-Korean communication channels to revive the suspended inter-Korean dialogue. President Lee stated, "Restoring inter-Korean dialogue is an essential condition for opening a future of peaceful coexistence. Reviving the inter-Korean dialogue, which has been suspended for seven years, is the starting point for a new inter-Korean relationship of peaceful coexistence." He continued, "We must begin meetings to prevent accidental military clashes, alleviate human suffering caused by division, and discuss various inter-Korean issues. To resume frank dialogue, I first propose restoring inter-Korean communication channels."
"Seeking a Path for Joint Growth Between North and South Korea"... Exploring Cooperation in Climate, Disaster, and Health Sectors
President Lee also presented a vision for joint growth built on peaceful coexistence. He said, "If, on the foundation of peaceful coexistence, we examine what benefits both sides and realize feasible initiatives one by one, the path to joint growth will open wide." He further emphasized, "Rather than one-sided aid or forcing concessions from either side, we will actively seek ways that benefit everyone, creating a virtuous cycle of peace and the economy, and paving the way for joint growth between North and South Korea."
He identified climate and environment, disaster safety, and healthcare as areas for cooperation. President Lee said, "We can gradually begin with exchange and cooperation projects that are of global interest and in high demand by both Koreas." Regarding South Korea's capabilities, he introduced the country as "an economic powerhouse ranked in the global top 10, a military power ranked in the top 5, and possessing strong deterrence based on a robust South Korea-U.S. alliance." He added, "As a cultural powerhouse captivating the world with K-culture and an advanced technology leader striving to become one of the top three nations in artificial intelligence (AI), South Korea cannot remain trapped in the past when it comes to inter-Korean issues."
Finally, President Lee repeatedly called for the active role of the NUAC and the public. He said, "I ask all citizens to join forces to end the past of hostility and confrontation and to create a world where we can coexist peacefully and grow together without fear of war. I also request that NUAC advisors communicate with the public, listen to their voices, and frequently share good policy ideas with me as Chairperson." He promised, "The government will continue to facilitate and support a social dialogue system that enables our people to deliberate and discuss the fate of the Korean Peninsula for themselves."
In response to President Lee's speech, the advisors expressed their aspirations and resolutions. Senior Advisor Chung Jin-ho, envisioning a peace premium from a scientist's perspective, proposed the "Cheongpodo Project," which aims to connect Cheongjin and Pohang through molten iron. According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yujeong, Senior Advisor Kim Hyoju expressed the ambition for young people to serve as the "healthy backbone" that enables balanced progress in society by turning "differences" into "drivers of growth."
Spokesperson Kang added, "The inauguration meeting concluded with a group singing of 'Where the Wind Blows' with the President. Holding pinwheels, more than 11,000 citizens and overseas Korean advisors pledged to create a 'wind of peace' that embodies the people's wishes." Additionally, it was explained that the patchwork cloth held by President Lee symbolized the idea of uniting the nation as one despite differing views.
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Meanwhile, prior to the event, President Lee met with Senior Vice Chairperson Lee Haechan and others to express his gratitude and encouragement. During the meeting, the vice chairpersons stated, "When inter-Korean exchanges are difficult, overseas Koreans will step up and create even the smallest opening," "Thank you for meeting the 40% quota for female advisors and expanding opportunities for women's participation," and "Overseas Koreans, including those involved in candlelight protests abroad, played a significant role in overcoming periods of martial law and rebellion." In response, President Lee suggested, "Let's consider ways to significantly increase the number of overseas advisors."
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