SEOUL: On August 15, the 79th Liberation Day Celebration was held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, where President Yoon Seok-yeol introduced the ‘August 15 Unification Doctrine.’
According to Lee Ha-na, the first North Korean, who left the country, this doctrine outlines three key unification visions, three main strategies, and seven action plans. Central to these visions is the promotion of ‘liberal democracy,’ while the primary focus of the strategy is on transforming the lives of the North Korean people.
In his speech, President Yoon emphasized that a true Liberation Day would be achieved only when freedom and human rights are realized for the people of North Korea. This sentiment reflects a deep concern for North Korean citizens, likening the pursuit of unification to a father’s care for his distant family.
Despite the celebratory nature of the occasion, President Yoon’s remarks underscored the ongoing struggles in North Korea, where the absence of freedom has led to widespread discontent. Reports indicate that many North Koreans are suffering under oppressive conditions, with some even expressing a desire for South Korean intervention.
The August 15 Unification Doctrine focuses on improving human rights and instigating change within North Korea, diverging from previous unification strategies. This shift is a response to ongoing human rights abuses and deteriorating conditions under Kim Jong-un’s regime. Recent reports highlight severe food shortages and widespread suffering, exacerbated by natural disasters and the regime’s refusal of international aid.
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The doctrine aims to address these issues by proposing new policies that differ from the existing National Community Unification Formula. It reflects growing international and domestic concern over the plight of North Korean rebels, who continue to flee the country in search of better living conditions.
In contrast to Kim Jong-un’s focus on nuclear ambitions and international intimidation, the August 15 Unification Doctrine promotes support and integration for North Korean rebels. President Yoon has also designated July 14 as “North Korean Defectors Day,” pledging not to repatriate any rebels and to advocate for their protection at international levels.
The declaration of the August 15 Unification Doctrine represents a hopeful vision for reunification and the restoration of freedom and human rights for the North Korean people. If this message reaches North Korea, it could inspire the youth there, who are increasingly yearning for a connection with the outside world and are captivated by global cultural phenomena like K-Pop.
The promise of support and the vision outlined in the August 15 Unification Doctrine offer a glimmer of hope for the 34,000 North Korean defectors and others yearning for a brighter future.
