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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

President Lee attends mass in Rome, says 'June 15th spark of hope is alive'

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korean President Lee Jae-myung emphasized peace on the Korean Peninsula during a special mass in Rome, vowing to do everything possible to build a sustainable peace system beyond the armistice.
  • Lee acknowledged the strained inter-Korean relations but expressed firm belief in the enduring hope of the June 15th joint declaration, pledging continued efforts to prevent accidental clashes and build military trust.
  • The President thanked the Vatican for its consistent support for Korean peace and stated South Korea's commitment to contributing to a more peaceful, free, and dignified world through democracy, culture, and innovation.

During a special mass for peace and solidarity in Rome, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stressed the urgent need for a sustainable peace system on the Korean Peninsula. He acknowledged the current state of deep conflict and uncertainty globally, citing the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and noted that the Korean Peninsula is not exempt from these challenges.

We plan to do everything we can to build a sustainable peace system beyond the armistice.

— President Lee Jae-myungDuring a special mass for peace and solidarity in Rome, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized his administration's commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee directly addressed the deteriorating inter-Korean relations, stating that the path of dialogue and cooperation has been replaced by disconnection, distrust, and tension. However, he expressed a strong conviction that the hope ignited by the June 15th joint declaration, a landmark agreement after the division of Korea, remains alive. He highlighted South Korea's proactive measures since his administration's launch, including halting leaflet distribution and loudspeaker broadcasts, and reiterated that the government does not pursue absorption unification or unilateral system competition.

The communication channels connecting the South and North have been closed, and distrust and tension remain.

— President Lee Jae-myungAddressing the strained inter-Korean relations during his speech at the special mass.

The President pledged to continue efforts to prevent accidental military clashes and build trust between the two Koreas. He invoked the biblical passage from Isaiah 2:4, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks," praying for its realization on the peninsula and hoping for a virtuous cycle where peace in Korea contributes to global peace, and global solidarity strengthens peace in Korea.

I firmly believe that the spark of hope from that time is still alive.

— President Lee Jae-myungReferring to the historical significance of the June 15th joint declaration during his address.

Lee also conveyed his gratitude to the Vatican for its unwavering support and interest in peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula. He concluded by stating South Korea's aspiration to share a message of hope with the world, contributing to a more peaceful, free, and dignified global society through its democratic values, rich culture, and technological advancements.

We have clearly stated that we do not pursue absorption unification or unilateral system competition.

— President Lee Jae-myungExplaining his government's approach to inter-Korean relations at the special mass.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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