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President Moon Jae-in takes part in three cheers of “manse” at an event commemorating the March 1 Independence Movement held at the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government on March 1. (provided by the Blue House)

President Moon Jae-in emphasized peace on the Korean Peninsula in the final March 1 Independence Movement Day speech of his term. Amid growing concerns that a "new Cold War" has begun following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Moon underscored the urgent need for peace between the two Koreas in order not to be caught in the turmoil of the fluctuating international order.

Moon attended a ceremony marking the 103rd anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement at the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government in Seodaemun District, Seoul, on Tuesday.

“The lesson that the spirit of the March First Independence Movement gives us today is that we should have the power to lead our history without being pushed around by an international order centered on powerful countries,” Moon said in his speech.

“Peace on the Korean Peninsula is a must for us to become stronger,” he added.

Moon also said that, in today’s international order, “state-centered nationalism, which seeks to gain hegemony by force, is also raising its head again,” while “concerns over a new Cold War are on the rise as well.” He then emphasized the importance of the Korean Peninsula not being “pushed around” by the international order, a feat for which Moon emphasized the necessity of peace with North Korea.

“Seeing what is happening in the world recently is similar to when we lost our national sovereignty over a hundred years ago, [the president] said that inter-Korean cooperation is necessary in the spirit of the March 1st Movement so as not to commit such a mistake,” a senior Blue House official said.

Regarding Japan, Moon said that “beyond Korea-Japan relations, I sincerely hope that Japan will take leadership as an advanced nation,” and that “to this end, Japan must squarely face history and be humble before it.”

“Japan will become a trustworthy country only when it is able to empathize with the wounds of the people of neighboring countries,” the president added. As such, Moon is saying that in order for Japan to become a truly advanced country, it must sincerely reconcile with the issues of its past.

Moon’s words are interpreted as expressing his disappointment in Japan’s dismissal of repeated requests for dialogue, as well as serving as a call to action aimed at the Japanese government.

Still, Moon said, “Cooperation between Korea and Japan is the responsibility of the current generation for the sake of future generations.”

“My Administration will always keep the door open for dialogue to join forces not only for regional peace and prosperity but also in responding to global challenges – ranging from COVID-19 and the climate crisis to the supply chain crisis and the new economic order,” Moon said.

This means that the door to discuss historical issues with Japan is always open.

“President Moon revised his speech several times until the last minute, and he was especially concerned about the final part of the speech, including the part on Korea-Japan relations,” another Blue House official said.

By Lee Wan, staff reporter

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