According to Yonhap News Agency, the commemoration not only honors the historical liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945 but also casts a vision for the future liberation of North Korea from oppression. He outlined a multifaceted approach aimed at fostering a “freedom-based unification,” which includes bolstering the South’s defenses against misinformation, enhancing North Koreans’ access to outside information, and fortifying alliances with the global community to advocate for human rights and freedom across the peninsula.
Yoon proposed the establishment of an “Inter-Korean Working Group” to address diverse issues ranging from tension alleviation and economic cooperation to cultural exchanges and climate change. This initiative seeks to lay the groundwork for peaceful unification by engaging directly with North Korea to resolve humanitarian concerns and by preparing both nations for potential integration.
Furthermore, the president reiterated his “Audacious Initiative,” first introduced two years ago, which promises substantial economic assistance to North Korea contingent upon the North’s commitment to denuclearization. This strategy underscores South Korea’s readiness to support the North’s economic development in exchange for steps towards abandoning its nuclear ambitions.
President Yoon also pledged to bolster the South Korean populace’s commitment to the values of freedom and democracy, viewing this as essential for leading the charge toward unification. He highlighted the need for educational reforms and expanded welfare programs to build a society that is both fair and resilient against the forces that undermine freedom.
In his sweeping address, Yoon reached out not only to South Koreans but also to their northern counterparts, conveying a message of hope and inclusion aimed at eventually realizing a united and prosperous Korean Peninsula. His speech also touched on South Korea’s role on the global stage, emphasizing its contributions to international development and its leadership in addressing global challenges like climate change and digital transformation.
As the president concluded, he called for a unified effort towards a brighter future for a single, free Korea, urging both South and North Koreans to envision and work towards a shared destiny of prosperity and freedom.