President Lee's Address on the 107th Anniversary of the March 1st Revolution
"Communicating with Neighboring Countries as a 'Pacemaker' to Resume North Korea-U.S. Dialogue"
"Expanding Special Recognition for Independence Activists"
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President Lee Jaemyung stated that honoring and respecting the sacrifices of the nation's forebears is both a special reward for extraordinary sacrifices and a minimum requirement for maintaining our community. He announced plans to expand the identification and recognition of unawarded independence activists, as well as to strengthen support for their descendants. He also reiterated that, for peace on the Korean Peninsula, his administration will respect the North's system, refrain from any hostile actions, and will not pursue unification by absorption under any circumstances. In terms of Korea-Japan relations, he pledged to continue shuttle diplomacy to open "a new world of true understanding and empathy," and to strengthen trilateral cooperation among Korea, China, and Japan in order to promote unity and peace throughout Northeast Asia.
On March 1, at the 107th anniversary ceremony of the March 1st Independence Movement held at COEX Auditorium in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, President Lee stated, "The March 1st Revolution bore fruit as the joy of liberation because people united for a greater cause beyond differences in class, status, age, gender, regional origin, and political views." He emphasized once again, "We will build a fair nation where the notion that 'three generations perish when one participates in the independence movement' disappears, those who devoted themselves to the country are respected, and acts of betraying the community are sternly judged as a matter of common sense."
Regarding recent developments in the international order, he remarked that global norms established over more than 80 years since World War II are now being threatened by the logic of power. He stressed the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
President Lee said, "The March 1st Revolution was both a declaration of independence and a declaration of peace, and it served as a compass pointing toward the peaceful and coexistent future we must pursue." He continued, "We dreamed of a democratic republic where the people are sovereign and of a peaceful, inclusive society where everyone empathizes with one another and lives together in solidarity." He added, "This is why, in an era where democracy and peace are once again under threat, we must deeply reflect on the spirit of the March 1st Revolution." Contrasting the "powerless colony of 1919" with the present, he emphasized, "In 2026, the Korean people possess the power to inspire the world and the potential to change it."
Inter-Korean Relations: "Let us realize the dream of peace and coexistence, starting with the Korean Peninsula"..."No pursuit of hostile acts or unification by absorption"
In his message to North Korea, he reaffirmed that the path forward must be coexistence and cooperation, not hostility, and reiterated his administration's commitment to refrain from any hostile acts or pursuit of unification by absorption. President Lee said, "Let us realize here and now, on the Korean Peninsula, the dream of peace and coexistence that our forebears so fervently desired." He continued, "Our government will respect the North's system and will not engage in any hostile acts or pursue unification by absorption in any form." He specifically described last year's "North Korean drone intrusion incident" as a grave threat to peace on the peninsula and pledged, "We will thoroughly investigate the facts and put in place institutional measures to prevent a recurrence."
He also stated that efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea will continue. President Lee said he would serve as a "pacemaker," communicating not only with the United States but also with neighboring countries to facilitate the prompt resumption of dialogue between North Korea and the U.S. He added that efforts to transform the armistice regime into a peace regime would be pursued consistently. He further expressed hope that, with North Korea formulating and implementing a new five-year plan, it would come swiftly to the table for dialogue to envision a new future together.
Continued Shuttle Diplomacy with Japan... Northeast Asia: "Strengthening Trilateral Communication and Cooperation among Korea, China, and Japan"
Regarding Korea-Japan relations, President Lee reaffirmed a pragmatic diplomatic approach, stating that the two countries would confront the past, address present challenges together, and move forward toward the future. He said, "Now, as we face a difficult international situation, is the time for Korea and Japan to respond to the present and open up the future together." He pledged to continue shuttle diplomacy with Japan so that both peoples can tangibly feel the benefits of improved relations. He further stated, "I hope the Japanese government will continue to respond, so that our two countries, based on genuine understanding and empathy, can open a new and harmonious era together."
On Northeast Asian cooperation, he referenced the "Theory of Peace in the East" by independence activist Ahn Junggeun, emphasizing that "cooperation among Korea, China, and Japan is the path to contributing to world peace." He noted his visits to China and Japan for summits at the beginning of the year and stressed the importance of the three countries finding common ground for communication and cooperation. "In line with the wishes of our forebears, who sought to extend peace in Northeast Asia to the world, we will not cease our efforts for unity and prosperity," he promised.
President Lee concluded his address by saying, "Let us all move forward together toward an advanced, democratic model nation as envisioned by our fallen heroes and patriots, a peaceful Korean Peninsula free from the worries of war, and a flourishing Republic of Korea where culture thrives and prosperity abounds. Let us open the path to peace, democracy, mutual growth, and co-prosperity together in the spirit of the March 1st Revolution."
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