Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

“The reunification of Korea is a historic task that must be accomplished for the true independence of 80 million people.”

Urged North to stop reckless provocations…reemphasized “the importance of THAAD deployment as a defensive measure”

Ordered active response to changing conditions in Northeast Asia…asked for reestablishment of the Korea-U.S. relations as well

On August 15, President Park Geun-hye said, “True independence will be to build a reunified Korea, with no more pain and suffering of separation, in which some 80 million people can enjoy freedom and human rights. I believe this is the historic task that is assigned to us.”

During the 71st celebration ceremony of Nation Liberation Day held at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, she said, “To do this, we first have to clear away the fear of nuclear missiles and war in this Korean Peninsula. North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons can never be condoned, for the sake of peace in this land as well as for the future of our people. The government will take whatever action is necessary to protect the country and people from the North Korean nuclear and missile threats, by strengthening cooperation with the international community. And the deployment of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is a defensive measure we have chosen to protect our people’s lives from North Korea’s reckless provocations. This life-threatening issue must never be a political issue. If there are other ways to protect the country and our people, any alternatives should be suggested.”

She also urged the North to immediately stop its development of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, as well as its provocative threats towards the South. “No attempt to threaten our people and Korea can be successful. She stated, ”The more North Korea attempts to intimidate us, the more its international isolation will deepen and financial difficulties will worsen.

President Park also said, “North Korea should not turn away from the basic human rights of its citizens to have the minimum needed for a humane life. We will not abandon the North Koreans who are in terrible pain due to the poor choices of North Korea's government. We urge the North to respect universal humanitarian values and comply with international duties and norms to become a normal member of the international community. If the North makes the right choice, and engages with sincerity, we will be ready to work towards peace and common prosperity.”

She also sent a message of reunification to the authorities of the North and its residents. The President said, “Reunification will provide you with a new opportunity to spread your wings and pursue happiness, while being treated equally with no discrimination nor disadvantage. Please join us to open a new era of a reunified Korea in which fear of nuclear attacks and war disappear, and human dignity is respected.”

She ordered proactive actions related to the changes in the security situation in the northeast region. President Park said, “The international situation, and changes in the security situation in the northeast region in particular, put pressure on us that we need to respond to. We have to dispel the victim mentality and negative thinking that our destiny depends on the dynamics between powerful nations, and lead our relationships with surrounding nations actively and reciprocally, having a sense of responsibility that we are playing a leadership role in the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and the Northeast region.” She continued on to say that we should pursue a new, forward-looking relationship with Japan, while squarely facing the historical issues.

Meanwhile, she invited independence patriots and their families to Cheongwadae on August 12 to convey her gratitude and respect for the sacrifice and patriotism they have shown for independence. Under the theme of ‘a unified Korea with a spirit of independence’, the independence patriots and their families, descendants of overseas veterans, those honored for Independence Movement Day and National Liberation Day, and representatives of commemoration service associations related to independence movement participated in the event.

By Yeong-Sun, Lee < ys119@dema.mil.kr >
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