President Lee Jaemyung to Announce Fundamental Direction on North Korea and Unification in Liberation Day Address

President Lee Jaemyung will announce the vision and fundamental direction of his administration's North Korea and unification policy in his Liberation Day address on August 15. Regarding relations with Japan, he plans to express his intention to pursue 'future-oriented cooperation.'

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, stated during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office on August 14, "President Lee will deliver a commemorative address at tomorrow's 80th Liberation Day event," adding, "With respect to North Korea and unification, the focus will be on declaring the vision and basic direction of the Lee administration's policy, rather than making specific proposals to North Korea."

Kang Yujeong, Presidential Office Spokesperson Yonhap News Agency

Kang continued, "Over the past three years, the confrontational stance between the two Koreas has heightened distrust, and North Korea's hostile attitude remains unchanged," explaining, "Taking these circumstances into account, the address will emphasize both the preciousness of peace and the need to restore trust between the two Koreas." She added, "The government will also present the fundamental principles it will uphold in pursuing future North Korea and unification policies, including perspectives between the two Koreas and the position of the North Korean regime."

Kang further stated, "The President plans to acknowledge and respect the significance and spirit of major inter-Korean agreements reached in past dialogues," and added, "He will also emphasize the necessity of international cooperation to achieve a peaceful, nuclear-free Korean Peninsula as pursued by the government."

In the area of foreign affairs, remarks regarding Korea-Japan relations are expected. Kang said, "The President will present a direction to pursue future-oriented cooperation based on mutual trust and policy continuity between the two countries," and introduced, "He will also express his determination to confront the past and build greater cooperation based on trust." However, messages concerning broader diplomatic issues will be delivered on separate occasions, such as the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

Meanwhile, President Lee also plans to issue a special message to overseas Koreans who are preparing Liberation Day events abroad.