"Roh Moo-hyun, Remembering the Day He Crossed the Forbidden Line to Step on Northern Land... Both North and South Must Engage in Dialogue"

"Moving Forward Steadily Through Coexistence, Symbiosis, and Peaceful Prosperity"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former President Moon Jae-in marked the 15th anniversary of the October 4 Inter-Korean Joint Declaration by stating, "I urge both South and North Korea to stop worsening the situation and to seek dialogue."

On the same day, through social media (SNS), former President Moon said, "I remember the excitement of the day when President Roh Moo-hyun crossed the forbidden line by land and set foot on North Korean soil," adding, "I hope the spirit of the October 4 Joint Declaration will be revived and that we will steadfastly move forward toward coexistence, mutual prosperity, and peace."

The October 4 Inter-Korean Joint Declaration was a joint declaration announced in 2007 when former President Roh met with former National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang.

Former President Moon said, "The two Koreas' leaders revealed a bold vision for inter-Korean relations and peace and prosperity through the October 4 Declaration," adding, "Regrettably, that spirit was not carried on by the subsequent government. However, the path to peace and mutual prosperity on the Korean Peninsula is a dream that cannot be abandoned."

He continued, "The spirit of the October 4 Declaration was revived again through the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration and the September 19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration, achieving further progress."

Former President Moon emphasized, "Amid a shaken global order, the rivalry among surrounding major powers is intensifying, and the dialogue between the two Koreas has been prolonged," but added, "However, we must start again. The owners of the Korean Peninsula's fate are us."

He urged, "Both South and North Korea should reflect on the grand aspirations of the October 4 Joint Declaration, which envisioned a path to peace and prosperity," and requested, "North Korea must halt missile provocations and keep its moratorium promises."