President Lee Jae Myung recently delivered a powerful and visionary address, laying out an ambitious plan for the Korean Peninsula: a future free from the shadow of war and the threat of nuclear weapons. Speaking at the 22nd Peaceful Unification Advisory Council in Goyang, Gyeonggi, on December 2, President Lee reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to establishing lasting peace and fundamentally transforming the region.
A Bold Vision: Ending War, Pursuing a Nuclear-Free Peninsula
At the core of President Lee’s compelling message was a clear and resolute goal: “Our goal is to end the state of war on the Korean Peninsula and pursue a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.” This statement signifies a profound and much-needed shift from a state of perennial tension to one of genuine, sustainable peace. He emphasized that the dedicated efforts to achieve this monumental task would continue relentlessly.
President Lee firmly rejected the notion of nuclear armament for either Korea. He unequivocally called North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons amidst massive international sanctions “unrealistic.” Equally, he dismissed the idea of South Korea developing its own arsenal, asserting that it would “violate the principle of a peaceful, nonnuclear Korean Peninsula.” This principled stance underscores a deep commitment to global denuclearization and stability in the volatile region.
International Cooperation: South Korea as a “Pacemaker”
Recognizing the indispensable role of international collaboration, President Lee recalled former U.S. President Donald Trump’s official statement during a Korea-U.S. summit, where he committed to working toward resolving the state of war. President Lee affirmed that South Korea would cooperate closely with the United States based on this shared understanding. Beyond this crucial alliance, Lee envisioned South Korea acting as a “pacemaker,” actively supporting dialogue between North Korea and the United States and consulting with other relevant nations to facilitate peace.
The True Cost of Division and Conflict
President Lee passionately articulated the severe and detrimental impact of unresolved conflict on the lives of ordinary citizens. “When inter-Korean relations spiral into confrontation and conflict, the lives of our people become unstable, and politics, the economy and democracy are all threatened,” he warned. He stressed that the perpetual state of war and the enduring division are not merely geopolitical issues, but significant and debilitating obstacles hindering democratic, political, and economic development.
In a powerful critique, he also spoke out against certain political forces that exploit division to suppress democracy and manipulate domestic politics. He even referenced alarming allegations of a dangerous attempt to provoke war as a pretext for martial law, underscoring how division can be cynically weaponized domestically. For President Lee, “Ending the war, overcoming division and securing lasting peace is the path to completing our democracy.”
Patience, Sincerity, and Dialogue: The Path Forward
Despite the current suspension of inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation, President Lee expressed optimism, stating that with “sincerity and extend our hand first — with patience and determination — the North’s stance can also change.” He firmly believes that by transforming the “cost of division driven by hostility into a peace-based engine for growth,” the infamous “Korea risk” can be turned into a “Korea premium.” This forward-looking vision prioritizes building a strong, lasting peace — a state where there is no need to fight — over winning through conflict, a choice he deemed best for both Koreas.
Lee expressed deep regret over past unimplemented inter-Korean agreements and the recent intensification of hostilities, asserting that “Restoring inter-Korean dialogue is an essential condition for opening a future of peaceful coexistence.” He proposed that restarting these crucial talks, which have been suspended for seven years, would mark a new and hopeful beginning. As a practical first step, he called for the immediate restoration of communication channels between the two Koreas to pave the way for open and candid discussions.
Shared Growth for a Brighter Future
Beyond dialogue, the government plans to actively promote cooperation for “shared growth” between the South and North. President Lee envisions mutually beneficial solutions where peace and the economy create a virtuous cycle, ultimately leading to joint growth and prosperity for both Koreas. This holistic approach aims to build a stable, prosperous, and unified future for the entire peninsula, moving beyond division to a shared destiny.
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