Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called on North Korea to return to negotiations with the United States and contribute to shaping what he described as a "new future." He pledged to collaborate with relevant countries to transform the Korean War armistice into a peace regime during his first address commemorating the March 1 Independence Movement at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul. This event marked the 107th anniversary of Korea's 1919 independence movement, a pivotal moment during Japan's 1910-1945 occupation of the Korean Peninsula.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee expressed hope that North Korea, while formulating a new five-year plan, would quickly return to the negotiating table to collaborate on a new future, emphasizing that "hostility and confrontation serve neither side's interests." Although North Korea dismissed dialogue with Seoul, it seemed open to talks with Washington after a key party congress last month, where it revealed its five-year plans for sectors including national defense and foreign affairs.

Lee reiterated his administration's respect for the North Korean system and ruled out any pursuit of unification by absorption or hostile actions. He stressed efforts to convert the armistice into a peace regime by easing tensions between the two Koreas and working with relevant countries. He also addressed the issue of alleged civilian drone flights into North Korea, pledging measures to prevent such incidents, which he deemed unrelated to his government's intentions and a "grave threat" to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Pyongyang has repeatedly demanded Seoul take measures to prevent drone incursions, accusing it of sending surveillance-equipped drones. In response, the South Korean government launched an official investigation. Lee also urged for strengthened cooperation between South Korea and Japan, rooted in the values of peace and joint prosperity, while confronting historical issues.

Lee has committed to a "two-track" diplomatic approach with Japan, focusing on future-oriented cooperation and addressing unresolved historical issues from Japan's colonial rule. He emphasized the importance of deepening trilateral cooperation between Korea, China, and Japan for harmony in Northeast Asia, which he considers crucial.

Reflecting on the need for peace and harmony in Northeast Asia, Lee shared insights from his recent visits to China and Japan, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss cooperation and pending issues. He vowed to persistently strive for harmony and prosperity, honoring the wishes of Korea's forebears who aspired to achieve world peace.

In his speech, Lee also emphasized the global community's need to reflect on the spirit of South Korea's independence movement amidst a crisis era where democracy and peace are threatened. He expressed confidence that the spirit of the March First Revolution would guide the global community toward a hopeful future.