South Korean President Addresses UN General Assembly
During his speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, South Korean President Lee Jae-myeon emphasized that the Republic of Korea’s 80-year history demonstrates the UN’s ability to effect positive change globally.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say that South Korea’s history has been marked by various challenges and responses, constantly facing the significant issues that humanity encounters,” he remarked.
He pointed out, “Even a soft coup could not extinguish the resilient spirit of the Korean people. They have a deep desire for democracy and peace.”
Reflecting on recent events, Lee described last winter’s protests as a “revolution of light” and framed it as a pivotal moment embodying the spirit of the UN.
Lee highlighted pressing global issues such as “extreme hunger,” ongoing “armed conflicts in places like Ukraine and the Middle East,” and the “climate crisis,” asserting that these challenges can only be tackled with the “wisdom” of the United Nations.
“If nations facing similar issues gather at the UN and foster multilateral cooperation, we can collectively progress towards a brighter future marked by peace and prosperity,” he stated.
Much of Lee’s address echoed the theme of ambitious collaboration and democracy as key solutions to various problems. He referenced numerous international organizations in which South Korea has participated, expressing hope that other nations might emulate South Korea’s journey from being a recipient to a donor country.
Lee expressed concern about the potential “threat to peace” posed by artificial intelligence, which he warned could be misused as a tool for cyberattacks and information warfare. “If we allow ourselves to be dragged into the AI age without foresight, we risk creating dystopian futures filled with deepening inequalities and human rights abuses,” he cautioned.
However, he also mentioned that if approached proactively, AI could serve as a catalyst for innovation and prosperity, thereby reinforcing democracy.
“AI-driven innovation will be an essential tool in addressing global challenges like the climate crisis,” he added.
Despite the ongoing tensions with North Korea, Lee expressed hope for improved relations during his term. He acknowledged the challenges posed by North Korea’s leadership, which has shown little interest in dialogue. Nonetheless, he pledged to pursue denuclearization, viewing North Korea’s halting of new nuclear weapon production as a positive development.
In a concrete step towards fostering better relations, Lee mentioned that he is ready to offer support to North Korea to facilitate normalization with other countries, including the United States.
“Democratic South Korea is embarking on a new path towards peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula. The initial step is to rebuild trust and adopt an attitude of mutual respect,” he stated.
Lee affirmed that his government respects North Korea’s system and does not seek unification through absorption or engage in hostile actions, which he illustrated by the cessation of certain broadcasts into North Korea.
“Moving forward, the South Korean government will consistently seek avenues to reduce military tensions and restore trust among Koreans. The most reliable peace is one where conflict is unnecessary,” he concluded.
