South Korean President pledges to build “military trust” with North Korea
South Korea’s Liberation Day Marks a Shift in North‑South Dialogue
During a ceremony that celebrated the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced a new approach to the North.
Lee’s Promise for “Respect” and “Military Trust”
- Lee pledged to respect North Korea’s political system.
- He committed to building “military trust” without preconditions.
- His vow follows his election in June, reversing his predecessor’s hawkish stance.
Speech Highlights for Reduced Tension
At the liberation anniversary event, Lee stated that the South would take consistent measures to substantially reduce tensions and restore trust with the North.
“We affirm our respect for North’s current system,” Lee said, adding that Seoul had no intention of engaging in hostile acts. He called for North Korea to reciprocate efforts to revive dialogue, emphasizing that North and South are not enemies.
North’s Recent Silence
A day after Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong declared the North had no will to improve relations, she denied reports that North Korea was removing propaganda loudspeakers.
Confrontational vs. Constructive Liberation Day Speeches
- South Korea’s speech sought trust restoration and dialogue.
- North Korea’s speech, delivered to a Russian delegation, avoided references to South Korea or the United States and did not mention hostile states or nuclear forces.
- Kim Jong Un’s address, a stark contrast to his sister’s fiery statements, favored close observation of neighboring moves.
Kim’s “stark contrast” to his sister was noted by Yang Moo‑jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, who said there were no messages aimed at the South or the United States.
Shared Liberation Holiday – August 15
August 15 is the only public holiday celebrated in both North and South Korea, according to Seoul’s National Institute for Unification Education. The holiday’s dual significance underscores the potential for constructive dialogue between the two Koreas.
