The Korea Times published an article on the 79th Liberation Day Unification Implementation Resolution Rally for Action for Korea United, where hundreds of government, civic, and North Korean defector groups celebrated as well as prepared for the landmark 80th Liberation Day in 2025.
Read the original article on The Korea Times website here or read the article in full below:
Gov’t, civic groups, defectors unite for unification of 2 Koreas, global peace
By Kim Hyun-bin
Over 530 South and North Koreans, including members from approximately 130 civil society organizations, 350 political and social leaders and 180 North Korean defectors, gathered in Seoul on Thursday for the 79th Liberation Day Unification Implementation Resolution Rally for Action for Korea United, according to the Global Peace Foundation, Friday.
Participants, including defector-turned-lawmaker Rep. Park Choong-kwon and North Korea Strategy Center President Kang Cheol-hwan, vowed, “I will be the owner of the realization of a new unified nation.”
In a welcoming address, Rep. Lee Yong-sun of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) expressed his “respect and gratitude” for citizens working toward peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula, despite the tense military situation between the two Koreas. He emphasized the importance of continuing preparation and action for unification and peace, echoing the “Korean Dream” vision.
Kim Choong-hwan, co-chair of Action for Korea United, expressed his hope that next year’s 80th National Liberation Day would be celebrated by both South and North Korea together.
“The Constitution of the Republic of Korea recognizes North Korean residents as citizens of South Korea,” he said. Kim urged the government to issue temporary one-time passports to North Korean defectors stranded in China and establish a pension system for defectors. “I sincerely hope that next year’s National Liberation Day will be one that North and South Korea can celebrate together.”
Rep. Joo Ho-young, deputy speaker of the National Assembly, noted the significance of the event in his congratulatory remarks. “This gathering is even more meaningful as it is a place where civic leaders and defector organizations pledge solidarity and cooperation for a free and unified Korea,” he said.
Rep. Park echoed these sentiments, saying, “The noble sacrifice of the martyrs, who were ordinary citizens, created today’s Republic of Korea. As pioneers of early unification, we will work alongside North Korean defectors to usher in a new era of unification.”
Seo In-teck, co-chair of Action for Korea United, presented a business plan titled “How to Achieve Unification,” emphasizing the current opportunity for unification. “Now is the opportunity for unification, as the three pillars that supported the North Korean regime — distribution-based economy, ideological control and politics of fear — have collapsed,” Seo said. He urged the resolution of internal conflicts among South Koreans and stressed the importance of the “Korean Dream” vision for a unified Korea that contributes to global peace.
Following the rally, participants adopted a resolution for action for unification, committing to overcome political and religious differences and work alongside North Korean defectors to achieve a free and unified Korea. The resolution underscored the “Korean Dream,” which draws from the spirit of Hongik Ingan — a concept rooted in ancient Korean mythology and Confucian principles — and is integral to Korean identity and culture. The participants also vowed to promote this vision to the international community.
The event concluded with attendees participating in the 2024 Korean Dream Festival held in Seoul. The festival is part of the Global Peace Youth Summer Camp, which aims to build a global network among young people from 30 countries and raise awareness of the international importance of Korean unification.
In a series of unification speeches, Jang Man-soon, chairman of the 10 Million Separated Families Committee, pledged to work toward unification.
“The 10 million separated families will strive to fulfill the two points mentioned by President Yoon in his Liberation Day address on the 79th anniversary of liberation: to inspire the North Korean people to yearn for free unification and to work in solidarity with the international community for unification,” Jang said.
Kim Yong-in, co-chair of the Korean Dream 10 Million Citizens Campaign, read the speech on behalf of former North Korean diplomat Ri Il-kyu, who said, “Unification will certainly come. I believe that if we unite our will, combine our wisdom and gather our thoughts, unification, the dream of 70 million Koreans, will soon be realized.”