In a landmark speech marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced a major policy shift toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Declaring an end to Cold War-era tensions, Lee emphasized respect for the DPRK's sovereignty and ruled out 'unification by absorption.'
'Trust is built through actions, not words,' Lee stated during the Liberation Day ceremony in Seoul. His remarks signal a departure from former President Yoon Suk-yeol's 2024 push for a unified peninsula, pivoting instead toward rebuilding trust through concrete steps like removing border loudspeakers and halting propaganda leaflet campaigns.
Lee also pledged to revive the 2018 inter-Korean military pact suspended under Yoon, calling for 'proactive and gradual' cooperation. The move has sparked hope for renewed dialogue, with the president urging Pyongyang to reciprocate Seoul's 'good faith gestures.'
Analysts say this approach reflects growing public demand for stability in the region, particularly among younger generations prioritizing economic cooperation over ideological divides. Could this be the start of a new chapter in cross-border relations? Only time—and actions—will tell. 🕊️
