Remarks at 76th anniversary of Korean War outbreak

'We will build a Korean Peninsula where there is no need to fight'

Tone differs from past governments' focus on North's military threats

Lee visited Yeonpyeong Marine unit Wednesday, hinting at selective conscription reform

President Lee Jae-myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung attend the 76th anniversary commemoration of the Korean War outbreak at Suwon Convention Center on Thursday. [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae-myung and first lady Kim Hye-kyung attend the 76th anniversary commemoration of the Korean War outbreak at Suwon Convention Center on Thursday. [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae-myung said Thursday that South Korea would build "a Korean Peninsula of peace where there is no fear of war and no need to fight," backed by strong national defense.

Speaking at the 76th anniversary commemoration of the Korean War outbreak at Suwon Convention Center in Gyeonggi Province, Lee said it was "the firm principle of the people's sovereignty government that special sacrifice and dedication to the nation must be followed by special compensation and proper recognition," signaling his intent to strengthen veterans' welfare policy.

He also said "the sacred dedication and sacrifice of UN veterans are woven into the foundation of the freedom and peace that the Republic of Korea enjoys today," and announced plans to expand veterans' diplomacy.

"Seventy-six years ago on June 25, there were those who refused to abandon this land even on a battlefield where the guns never fell silent," Lee said. "The people's sovereignty government will protect this great Republic of Korea — built by heroes — without wavering."

Lee also referenced an amendment to the Act on Persons of Distinguished Service in Wartime, which took effect May 20 and extends membership in veterans' organizations to bereaved family members. He said the government would "further strengthen institutional support so that dedication to the nation is not confined to one generation but can be proudly carried on across generations."

At the ceremony, three irregular combatants who had distinguished themselves during the Korean War but never received official recognition were awarded posthumous commendations for the first time.

Lee's address contained no direct reference to North Korean provocations, the North's nuclear program, or policy toward Pyongyang.

While past administrations have routinely used the Korean War anniversary to raise North Korea's military threats or nuclear issue, Lee focused instead on honoring the tragedy of the war and the sacrifice of veterans while presenting a future vision of "a Korean Peninsula of peace."

The ceremony was held under the theme "The Republic of Korea, Defended by Heroes, Shines Before the World."

About 1,000 people attended, including Korean War veterans, senior government and military officials, and foreign diplomats accredited to Seoul, gathering to honor those who defended the country and reflect on the value of peace.

President Lee Jae-myung aims a K-6 heavy machine gun mounted on a K9A1 self-propelled howitzer during his visit to the Marine Corps' Yeonpyeong unit in Ongjin-gun, Incheon, on Wednesday. [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae-myung aims a K-6 heavy machine gun mounted on a K9A1 self-propelled howitzer during his visit to the Marine Corps' Yeonpyeong unit in Ongjin-gun, Incheon, on Wednesday. [Yonhap]

Lee has been carrying out a series of security-related engagements during Korean War Commemoration Week and the Month of National Patriots and Veterans, with the aim of honoring fallen heroes and underscoring the need to strengthen national defense through robust security and innovation.

On Wednesday, he visited the Marine Corps' Yeonpyeong unit to encourage the troops and, for the first time among sitting South Korean presidents, fired live rounds from a K2C1 assault rifle and a K15 machine gun.

The last presidential visit to the Yeonpyeong unit was by then-President Lee Myung-bak in 2012, making this the first such visit in 14 years.

During a lunch meeting with the troops, Lee also hinted at introducing a selective conscription system.

"I will change the system so that your time in the military is not wasted but helps you demonstrate your skills when you return to civilian life," he said, adding that he would "minimize conscription and allow people to choose the military as their own career through voluntary enlistment," as he had pledged on multiple occasions.

He went on to say: "What we are pursuing is a selective enlistment system — people can choose to become career soldiers with sufficient pay within the budget, or, if they prefer not to, choose to serve a short-term conscription."

"If we move to a volunteer military, there will naturally be specialized roles," Lee added. "In that case, the experience will be something people can put to good use when they return to civilian life."


sang@heraldcorp.com