Unification Ministry Abolishes Yoon Administration's '8.15 Doctrine'... Pursues Peaceful Coexistence Between South and North Korea

On August 18, the Ministry of Unification announced that it would abolish the so-called '8·15 Unification Doctrine' of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, which was characterized by anti-North Korea absorption unification and the theory of advancing freedom into the North. Instead, the ministry plans to pursue the Lee Jaemyung administration's new North Korea policy, which seeks 'peaceful coexistence between South and North Korea.'

Koo Byungsam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, is holding a regular briefing at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News

Koo Byungsam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, made this announcement during a regular briefing at the Government Seoul Office on the same day, in connection with President Lee's address marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day.

Spokesperson Koo stated, "In his Liberation Day address last week marking the 80th anniversary, President Lee outlined the direction of North Korea policy aimed at opening a 'new era of peaceful coexistence and joint prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.' He presented three core messages to North Korea: respect for the North Korean regime, a commitment not to pursue absorption unification, and a pledge not to engage in any hostile acts."

Koo further emphasized, "This marks a clear departure from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's '8·15 Unification Doctrine,' which was based on anti-North Korea absorption unification and the theory of advancing freedom into the North, and instead establishes a policy stance focused on peaceful coexistence. The government will continue to consistently implement measures aimed at easing real tensions on the Korean Peninsula and restoring trust between South and North Korea."

The 8·15 Unification Doctrine was a North Korea policy presented by former President Yoon during last year's Liberation Day, with the goal of achieving a 'Free Unification of Korea.' It was effectively interpreted as expressing a will to pursue absorption unification.

Meanwhile, regarding North Korea's lack of response to President Lee's Liberation Day address, spokesperson Koo stated, "We need to wait and observe over time."