Lee calls for breaking off from 'vicious cycle of hostility' for peace

President Lee Jae Myung addressed the nation on Sunday, advocating for breaking free from the cycle of hostility and confrontation in order to establish a virtuous cycle of peace and prosperity, during a speech commemorating the anniversary of a declaration aimed at enhancing inter-Korean relations. He acknowledged that achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula would be a challenging endeavor, emphasizing that it is the path that must be taken.

President Lee's address was delivered through Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-jung, as reported. His remarks were made on the 19th anniversary of the Oct. 4 Inter-Korean Declaration, which was signed by former President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in 2007. The president referred to the declaration as a historic agreement that transitioned inter-Korean relations towards mutual trust and cooperation, leading towards a permanent peace system.

Regrettably, the promise of peace and prosperity outlined in the declaration has not been realized, and in its place, hostility and confrontation have filled the void, Lee lamented. The president urged for the continuation of Roh's commitment to peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula.