On the 81st anniversary of Korea's liberation, over 500 individuals from civil society, religious groups, displaced persons, North Korean defectors, youth, politics, and academia gathered to discuss the vision for achieving a free and democratic peaceful unification under the banner of 'One Korea.'
The '81st Liberation Day One Korea Unification Advancement Conference' took place on the morning of August 11 at the National Assembly's main conference room. Attendees expressed concern over the recent emergence of the 'Two Koreas' theory, emphasizing the need to reaffirm the vision of peaceful unification as outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, rather than accepting the division as a given.
Co-hosting the event, Song Seok-jun, chair of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, welcomed participants by stating, "The Constitution of the Republic of Korea clearly aims for peaceful unification based on a free democratic order. We must not ignore or be deluded by the harsh realities of division, especially with the increasing nuclear threats from North Korea and the worsening international situation."
He added, "The spirit of unification as envisioned by the Constitution must not be shaken. I hope this conference serves as a valuable opportunity to explore the direction of peaceful unification that the people desire."
Co-host Jang Man-soon, chair of the 10 Million Displaced Families Committee, remarked, "The Kim Jong-un regime has defined South Korea as an enemy state and abandoned the idea of unification, yet discussions that seem to accept the Two Koreas theory continue in some sectors of our society. Article 3 of the Constitution defines the entire Korean Peninsula as the territory of the Republic of Korea, and Article 4 states that the Republic of Korea aims for unification and establishes a peaceful unification policy based on a free democratic order."
He expressed concern that recognizing North Korea as a separate state not only contradicts the Constitution but also affects the identity and rights of displaced persons and North Korean defectors.
"True peace begins with restoring the freedom and human rights of North Korean citizens," he said, emphasizing the need for a nationwide movement to convey the value of freedom to the people of North Korea through action, not just words.
The 'Two Koreas' theory posits that, despite a shared historical identity as one nation, the current political, military, and diplomatic realities necessitate recognizing the two Koreas as separate entities and establishing relations accordingly. This perspective has sparked diverse opinions in political and academic circles, as it effectively acknowledges North Korea as a distinct state.
Supporters of the Two Koreas theory cite over 70 years of living under different systems, the potential for increased unification costs and conflicts, and the significant differences in the lives and consciousness of the people as reasons for their stance. Opponents argue that this contradicts the spirit of the Constitution and that recognizing North Korea as a separate state would leave South Korea vulnerable to nuclear and military threats.
In a keynote speech, former lawmaker Tae Yong-ho stated, "North Korea has removed unification from its constitution and policies, formalizing an adversarial Two Koreas theory, while discussions of a peaceful Two Koreas theory are emerging in our society. This could lead to a permanent division of the Korean Peninsula."
Participants raised their voices, declaring that unification is a historical task for the future of the nation.
Jeong Dae-cheol, president of the Korea Constitutional Association, stated, "Maturing democracy and achieving peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula is the historical mission of the Republic of Korea. Unification must be prepared as a national task for the future of the nation, its competitiveness, sustainable development, and prevention of war."
Baek Seung-joo, an advisor to the One Korea National Coalition, also emphasized the seriousness of the current unification environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula, urging national leaders to possess a clear philosophy and will regarding democracy and unification as they prepare for the future.
Concrete action plans to prepare for the 'endgame' of Korean unification were also proposed.
Seo In-taek, representative of the People Practicing Unification, stated, "Unification is not the exclusive domain of a specific faction or political force; it is a historical task that all of South Korea must prepare for together. What moves people is not slogans, but a clear vision that resonates with the public."
He added, "Unification is not merely about territorial integration; it is about building a new civilizational state based on the founding ideology of Hongik Ingan, where freedom, human rights, and freedom of belief are guaranteed, and where young people can pursue their dreams. I propose a national awakening movement centered around the 'Korean Dream.'"
He emphasized the need to change societal perceptions that take division for granted and view unification as impossible, stating that a national awakening movement to expand public empathy and participation should be the starting point for the endgame of Korean unification. He plans to hold the '2026 Korean Dream Han River Festival' on October 3 at Ttukseom Han River Park, focusing on unification.
Additionally, on that day, various representatives, including Kang Gyu-ri, a North Korean defector who crossed the East Sea via a wooden boat in 2023, Pastor Jang Sang-il of the Gyeonggam Jesus Village Church, the head of the Korean Buddhist Patriotic Order, Kang Cheol-hwan, director of the North Korea Strategy Center, and Kenneth Bae, representative of the New Korea Foundation International, took turns announcing their commitment to realizing One Korea.
They pledged to expand national solidarity across various sectors for a unified Republic of Korea based on freedom, democracy, and human rights.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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