Yoon to North Korea: "We Will Not Step Back Even One Step to Prevent Any Challenge to the Republic of Korea"

Attending the 70th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korea Freedom Federation
"Korea has become an economic and cultural powerhouse, but North Korea remains a poor frozen land"
Yoon greets with handshakes to Han Dong-hoon, Won Hee-ryong, and Na Kyung-won

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 70th anniversary ceremony of the Korea Freedom Federation held on the 4th at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol recently addressed North Korea, which has been escalating its provocations, stating, "We will protect the freedom and lives of our people and will not retreat even a single step to prevent anyone from daring to threaten this country, the Republic of Korea."

On the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon attended the 70th anniversary ceremony of the Korea Freedom Federation held at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon and emphasized in his congratulatory speech, "Despite repeated warnings from the international community, the North Korean regime is advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities and has recently carried out despicable provocations such as releasing filth balloons."

President Yoon pointed out, "The contrasting histories of North and South Korea clearly demonstrate how crucial it is for a nation’s fate to choose the right system. The Republic of Korea, having chosen liberal democracy and a free market economy, has become not only an economic powerhouse envied worldwide but also a cultural leader globally. Meanwhile, North Korea, having chosen communist totalitarianism, remains the darkest and poorest last frozen land on Earth."

He added, "Even now, while we enjoy freedom and prosperity, many compatriots in North Korea suffer from hunger, deprived even of basic human rights."

Referring to North Korea's recent military cooperation treaty with Russia, which directly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions, President Yoon stressed, "My government and I will firmly protect our freedom and prosperity with strength, not words."

President Yoon said, "Freedom exists on the foundation of justice and truth," and added, "To protect freedom, we must fight against false propaganda and restore justice and truth. That is the starting point of the struggle for freedom."

He also stated, "Despite upheavals and chaos after liberation, President Syngman Rhee planted the value of freedom on this land and founded the free Republic of Korea. President Park Chung-hee instilled confidence in our people, who were plunged into despair amid the ruins of war, with the message ‘We can do it, if we try,’ and together with the people, achieved the Miracle on the Han River."

He continued, "Now, the Republic of Korea has risen as a top 10 global economic power and a pivotal global nation fulfilling its responsibilities and contributions to the international community," and explained, "The Korea Freedom Federation has been part of this great journey we have walked."

President Yoon Suk-yeol and the People Power Party leadership candidates are applauding while listening to the remarks of participants in the Junior Liberty Federation inauguration ceremony and vision declaration performance at the 70th anniversary celebration of the Korea Freedom Federation held on the 4th at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The Korea Freedom Federation is a conservative organization launched in 1954 following the Asian Anti-Communist League conference. President Yoon attended the 69th anniversary ceremony of the Federation last year, marking the first time in 24 years that a sitting president participated, and he has attended the ceremony for two consecutive years including this year.

At the event, candidates for the People Power Party leadership, Han Dong-hoon, Won Hee-ryong, and Na Kyung-won, also attended. President Yoon greeted them with handshakes upon entering the venue.

Also in attendance were Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, Korea Freedom Federation President Kang Seok-ho, Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok, Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council Kim Kwan-yong, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party Hwang Woo-yeo, and Senior Secretary for Civil Society at the Presidential Office Jeon Gwang-sam. Approximately 10,000 members of the Korea Freedom Federation filled the gymnasium.