Yoon: "Threats of Incitement, Manipulation, Fake News... We Must Have a Correct View of History"

Yoon Attends Korea Freedom Federation Founding Ceremony
First Presidential Attendance in 24 Years... "Must Protect Future Generations"
Repeatedly Points Out Fake News... "Threat to Democracy"

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 28th, "False agitation, manipulation, and fake news are threatening the free Republic of Korea," adding, "We must have a correct view of history, a responsible national perspective, and a clear security outlook."

On the same day, President Yoon attended the '69th Anniversary Founding Ceremony of the Korea Freedom Federation' held at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul in the morning, emphasizing, "We must protect this country and future generations with a dedicated attitude toward the spirit of the free democratic constitution." Founded in 1954, the Korea Freedom Federation is the largest national movement organization in Korea, having carried out various activities for 69 years to protect and develop liberal democracy and to pursue free peaceful unification based on the liberal democratic order.

President Yoon Suk-yeol responds to cheers from attendees after delivering a congratulatory speech at the 69th anniversary ceremony of the Korea Freedom Federation held at Jangchung Gymnasium in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 28th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

This is the first time in 24 years since former President Kim Dae-jung in 1999 that government and ruling party officials, including the president, have attended the Korea Freedom Federation's founding ceremony in large numbers. In his congratulatory speech, President Yoon expressed gratitude to the attendees who have worked hard to root freedom throughout society.

Especially, President Yoon, who has repeatedly issued warning messages about political and social manipulation, said again on this day, "False agitation, manipulation, and fake news are threatening the free Republic of Korea, and we are facing many challenges and crises." He believes that acts threatening liberal democracy are distorting and threatening the democratic decision-making system.

Earlier, at the '63rd Anniversary 4.19 Revolution Commemoration Ceremony' in April, President Yoon stated, "We must never be deceived by false agitation and disguise that threaten the liberal democracy protected by blood and sweat." At that time, he pointed out falsehoods and agitation within the government, political parties, and civil society, saying, "Those who threaten democracy with false agitation and fabrication mostly support totalitarianism while outwardly posing as democracy activists or human rights activists."

This message has been consistently conveyed even during overseas trips. During his state visit to the United States in April, President Yoon visited Harvard University's Kennedy School in Boston and mentioned, "Democracy is shaken and freedom is threatened by false agitation and fake news." Last week, while attending the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) General Assembly in Paris, he also said, "Today, fake news and false agitation are threatening our soul and our democracy." A presidential office official explained, "The government will continue to take a firm stance against fake news that threatens the foundation of democracy."

Meanwhile, at the commemorative event, President Yoon personally awarded and encouraged 18 individuals, including Gu Dae-won, Vice Chairman of the Korea Freedom Federation Busan Branch, and Ryu Myeong-seon, Vice Chairman of the Jeongeup Branch, recognizing their contributions to protecting liberal democracy and revitalizing national movements. The event was attended by Han Chang-seop, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (acting minister), Kang Seok-ho, President of the Korea Freedom Federation, Kim Gi-hyeon, leader of the People Power Party, Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party, as well as political and social figures, representatives from 15 related organizations, and about 4,000 members of the Korea Freedom Federation.