Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as the Minister of Strategy and Finance, emphasized on the 1st that "the most important thing right now to overcome the crisis before us and create a nation that future generations can be proud of is national unity."
Acting President Choi emphasized the spirit of unity of the March 1st Movement, which resisted Japanese colonial rule, during the 106th anniversary ceremony held on the 1st at Sookmyung Women's University. He also suggested using this as an opportunity to reflect on the spirit of the country's martyrs and overcome the national crisis.
Acting President Choi stated, "The important lesson of the March 1st Movement is precisely the spirit of unity that our nation had for a greater cause," adding that "as divisions deepen among ideologies, generations, regions, and classes, if we fail to overcome the conflict and division now, the miracles of democratization and industrialization that we have built with blood and sweat will become a castle in the air."
He explained, "Our forebears stated through the March 1st Declaration of Independence that 'what we must do now is to establish ourselves properly'" and noted, "This teaches us to take the initiative in self-transformation now."
As specific measures to practice unity, he proposed ▲maturity of liberal democracy ▲a robust economy ▲implementation of an inclusive society ▲preparation for the future. He stated, "We must create a culture of tolerance and cooperation under a framework of law and principles" and added, "I will accelerate the recovery of the livelihood economy through revitalizing the economy of ordinary people and creating jobs, and strengthen safety nets to alleviate inequality and gaps."
The government stated it will take the lead in creating a robust economy, which serves as the foundation for unity. Specifically, while emphasizing the competitiveness of advanced industries and scientific technologies, he remarked, "I will devote all efforts to promoting investment in game-changer fields such as advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, and biotechnology, and nurturing key talents."
Regarding issues related to North Korea, he said, "North Korea's persistent provocations pose a significant threat to the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia" and emphasized that "we will maintain a firm military readiness based on the Korea-U.S. alliance to decisively deter North Korean provocations."
Regarding the policy direction toward Japan, he expressed hope that "this year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, and that the two countries can heal the painful wounds of the past together and open a new chapter in Korea-Japan relations," further stressing that "cooperation between Korea and Japan is necessary to effectively respond to the severe international situation, as it is now."