According to Yonhap News Agency, on August 15 local time, South Korean President Li Jae-myn proposed a 'comprehensive and stable blueprint for peaceful coexistence with North Korea'. He stated that he would promote the transformation of the Korean Peninsula from the current armistice regime to a peaceful regime, and suggested that all parties concerned initiate dialogue on ending the war on the Korean Peninsula.
On that day, Lee Jae-myung delivered a speech at the 81st anniversary celebration of the Gwangbokjeol Festival held by the Sejong Cultural Association. He stated that all parties should abandon threatening gestures and work towards ending this prolonged war. South Korea will transform hostility and confrontation into a force for peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity, acting as a catalyst for peace on the Peninsula and fulfilling its responsibilities as a direct participant in the conflict.
Lee Jae-myung said that in his speech during the Liberation Day last year, he promised to respect the North Korean system, not seek any form of integration or unification, and not take any hostile actions. Now, after a year has passed, he will present a development blueprint to implement these principles.
Subsequently, Lee Jae-myung announced the three main principles of this blueprint. The first is "mutual respect, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence." He stated that both South Korea and North Korea should respect each other, stop unnecessary confrontation, and reduce hostility at the cognitive, normative, and institutional levels. He called for dialogue between South Korea and North Korea to achieve peaceful coexistence and common development, emphasizing that this is not a concession, but a starting point for coexistence.
Secondly, “stable coexistence without the need for conflict.” Lee Jae-myeong suggested that mechanisms for situation control and conflict resolution should be established, along with multiple security defenses to prevent the spread of crises and the escalation of tensions. The Korean side will comprehensively assess the security situation around the Peninsula, continuously take proactive steps towards peace, strive for a response from the North Korean side, and work together to build a stable Korean Peninsula.
Third is “responsible peaceful coexistence that contributes to world peace”. Lee Jae-myeong said that peace on the Korean Peninsula will promote stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia, and will be a milestone towards a nuclear-free world. It can also convey hopes for peace in many conflict-ridden regions around the globe.
