South Korean President Yoon Jae-myung has pledged to show respect for North Korea’s political system and to build “military confidence” between the two countries. He made the remarks on Friday, a day after North Korea stated it has no intention of improving relations with Seoul.
Since his election in June, Yoon has promised to establish communication with the nuclear-armed North without any preconditions, marking a clear departure from the rigid stance of his predecessor.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the anniversary of liberation from Japanese rule, Yoon said the South Korean government will take continuous measures to “significantly reduce tensions and restore trust” with the North. He added, “We respect North Korea’s current system and have no intention of engaging in hostile actions.”
The President also expressed hope that North Korea will reciprocate efforts to rebuild trust and revive dialogue.
According to Seoul’s National Institute for Unification Education, August 15 is observed as a national holiday in both Koreas and is recognized as “National Liberation Day.”
Meanwhile, in June, South Korea’s military reported that both countries had suspended propaganda broadcasts across the demilitarized zone. Yoon refuted recent reports claiming North Korean soldiers had dismantled loudspeakers along the border.
Source: AFP.