President Lee Pledges No Hostile Acts, No Unification by Absorption Toward North

President Lee Jae-myung marked the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement on Saturday by emphasizing that "our government respects the North's system and will not engage in any hostile acts or pursue unification by absorption."

"We will reduce military tensions between the two Koreas through action, not words," Lee said.

On Japan relations, Lee stated the government "will continue shuttle diplomacy to help citizens feel the effects of improved relations and open new opportunities." The remarks reaffirmed Seoul's commitment to easing military tensions with Pyongyang while maintaining pragmatic diplomacy with Tokyo.

Speaking at the commemoration ceremony at COEX in Seoul's Gangnam district, Lee opened by noting that "107 years ago today, we were all one."

"There were no differences in class or status, age or gender," he said. "Yeongnam and Honam were united. There was no left or right. From Pyongyang to Seoul, Busan to Sinuiju—from Halla to Baekdu—the entire nation was filled with cries of independence."

The remarks appeared aimed at addressing the country's current polarization along ideological, partisan, and regional lines.

International Order Under Threat

"After the devastation of world wars, the international community established new norms, but a century later we face a period of upheaval," Lee said. "The international norms established over 80 years are now seriously threatened by the logic of power."

He urged learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes.

"The Republic of Korea is the only nation liberated from colonial rule to achieve both industrialization and democratization," Lee said. "With the world's 10th-largest economy and 5th-strongest military, Korea ranks 7th in global influence through its 'cultural power,' making our forebears' dreams reality."

He attributed this success to "the spirit of the March 1st Revolution."

Path to Peace

Lee emphasized that inheriting this spirit means pursuing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

"Let us end more than half a century of confrontation and conflict and move toward a peninsula of peace and mutual prosperity," he said.

"As we have stated multiple times, our government respects the North's system and will not engage in any hostile acts or pursue unification by absorption," Lee declared. "Just as we have proactively taken measures to reduce inter-Korean military tensions and restore mutual trust through action rather than words, we will consistently pursue what is necessary for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Lee characterized last year's drone incursion as "a grave criminal act threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula," pledging to "thoroughly investigate the incident, hold those responsible accountable, and establish institutional safeguards."

Outreach to Pyongyang

On communication efforts, Lee said: "As a 'pacemaker,' we will engage with the United States and neighboring countries to facilitate the prompt resumption of U.S.-North Korea dialogue."

"We will make every effort to transform the armistice into a peace regime through substantive inter-Korean tension reduction and cooperation with relevant nations," he added.

Lee called on the North to respond positively: "As the North implements its new five-year plan, we hope it will come to the table soon so we can chart a new future together."

Japan Relations

Acknowledging the "turbulent history" with Japan, Lee described the neighboring country as one "sharing our front yard" with which Korea has developed relations.

"Now, as we face a harsh international situation, is precisely the time for Korea and Japan to respond to reality and open the future together," he said.

"Through pragmatic diplomacy, we will do our best to face the past squarely, solve present challenges together, and move toward the future," Lee said. "We will continue shuttle diplomacy with Japan and actively support efforts to help citizens of both nations feel the benefits of improved relations."

He expressed hope that Japan would continue to respond so both nations could "open a new world of friendship based on genuine understanding and empathy."

Referencing his recent back-to-back summits with China and Japan, Lee said he has emphasized that "Korea, China, and Japan must find common ground for communication and cooperation."

"In keeping with our forebears' wish to extend Northeast Asian peace to world peace, we will not stop our efforts for harmony and prosperity," he added.

Honoring Independence Activists

Lee reiterated "special compensation for special sacrifice" regarding independence patriots.

"We will expand efforts to discover and honor unrecognized independence activists and provide greater support to their descendants," he said.

He announced plans to designate the Hyochang Park area as "National Hyochang Independence Park" and develop broader utilization of the Shanghai Provisional Government building to honor the independence spirit.

"We will ensure the self-deprecating saying 'three generations suffer if you join the independence movement' disappears," Lee said. "We will build a fair nation where those who served their country are respected and those who betrayed the community face stern judgment."