President Lee says he does not seek regime change or absorption unification with North Korea, signals willingness to resume dialogue

[Financial News] On the 15th, President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed his three principles on North Korea to mark the 26th anniversary of the June 15 inter-Korean summit: respect North Korea's system, do not pursue absorption unification, and do not engage in any hostile acts. He also reiterated his willingness to resume inter-Korean dialogue.
In a written congratulatory message for the anniversary ceremony, Lee said, "The June 15 inter-Korean summit and the June 15th North–South Joint Declaration were the starting point for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula." Because he was on a European trip, the message was read aloud by Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Korea.
Lee emphasized, "It was a precious promise to build inter-Korean relations and achieve peaceful unification through exchanges and cooperation based on understanding and respect for the other side." He added, "Although that promise has not been fully carried out, we cannot give up on that path."
He went on to say, "Peaceful coexistence is the only way for both Koreas to achieve mutual prosperity," adding, "The People's Sovereignty Government is carrying forward the spirit of the June 15th North–South Joint Declaration through action, not words."
Lee explained that since the government took office, it has halted anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts and helped stop civic groups from sending propaganda leaflets across the border. He also said the government announced its three principles on North Korea, laying the groundwork for easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and for peaceful coexistence, while working to advance inter-Korean relations.
Still, Lee acknowledged, "Despite our government's efforts to resume dialogue and cooperation, I humbly recognize that the door to inter-Korean dialogue is not opening easily."
Even so, he said, "We cannot be discouraged by temporary difficulties or give up and sit back," adding, "Although there may be ups and downs for a while, if we pool our wisdom, we will be able to resolve this wisely."
Lee stressed that peace on the Korean Peninsula is a shared interest not only for the two Koreas, but also for Northeast Asia and the world. He said, "We must turn changes in the international situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula into a new opportunity for shared prosperity."
He also said, "The People's Sovereignty Government will not stop working for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "Just as the two Koreas did 26 years ago, we will do our utmost to sit down together again and continue the dialogue."

west@fnnews.com Sung Seok-woo Reporter