Up next... we share...
with you... more clips... from President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration speech... that placed...
much emphasis... on freedom... and... respect for... human rights.
Arirang's OH Soo-young has... the highlights.
Defending freedom to overcome crises.
That was the overarching message of President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration speech,...
setting the tone for the next five years of his administration,... and how it will tackle
domestic and global challenges.
"Today, we are faced with multiple crises.
Pandemics that are fundamentally altering the way we live; fast-evolving trade regimes
and rearrangements in the global supply chains that are impacting our economies; climate
change, food and energy crises that are causing havoc around the world; armed conflicts and
wars are complex crises that no one country or a group of countries can resolve on their
own.
Such complex, multi-faceted crises are casting a long and dark shadow over us.
Domestically, many countries, including Korea, are experiencing record-low growth and rising
unemployment.
Many countries are witnessing an ever-widening gap in wages and polarization within society.
Internal strife and discord are deepening which has led many of our fellow citizens
to lose their sense of community and belonging."
Yoon said freedom should be at the core of achieving social unity, where rationality
and intellect should guide societal discourse and make compromises...
something politics has failed to do, according to Yoon.
"Freedom is a universal value.
Every citizen and every member of society must be able to enjoy freedom.
If one’s freedom is infringed upon or left uncorrected, this is an assault on everyone’s
freedom.
Freedom is not something only for the winner to enjoy.
In order for everyone to enjoy freedom, everyone must be allowed to enjoy a certain level of
economic freedom; everyone must be guaranteed the right to receive quality education and
everyone must be granted the freedom to access and experience various cultural activities.
One cannot be considered a true citizen if such freedom is absent.
If one’s freedom is violated or one is denied the basic necessities that are fundamental
to being a free citizen, then the rest of society must come together and make amends."
Economic freedom and equal opportunity, Yoon said, should be universal...
providing the basis for science and innovation to procure rapid and sustainable growth that's
crucial for future freedom.
"Rapid growth will open up new opportunities.
It will improve social mobility, thereby helping us to be rid of the fundamental obstacles
that are aggravating social divide and conflicts.
It is imperative for us to make that big leap.
It is critical that we achieve rapid growth and this will only be possible through science,
technology and innovation.
Science, technology and innovation, they will protect our democracy, expand freedom and
our inalienable rights to let our people enjoy a sustainable life of dignity.
Scientific progress, technological advancement and breakthrough innovation cannot be attained
alone.
We must work together with other like-minded nations that respect freedom and encourage
creativity."
In the face of regional security challenges, Yoon emphasized that freedom must reach "every
dark corner" to promote human rights, peace and prosperity.
"Liberal democracy creates lasting peace and peace is what safeguards our freedom.
Peace is guaranteed when the international community that respects freedom and human
rights come together as one.
Peace is not simply avoiding war.
Real peace is about allowing freedom and prosperity to flourish.
Real peace is a lasting peace.
Real peace is a sustainable peace.
Peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia cannot be exempt from threats that endanger
the peace of other regions.
We, as global citizens, must make a stand against any attempt that aims to take our
freedom away, abuse human rights or destroy peace."
Particularly when it comes to North Korea, Yoon hinted there will be a bold plan to provide
prosperity and freedom for the North Korean people.
"While North Korea’s nuclear weapon programs are a threat not only to our security and
that of Northeast Asia, the door to dialogue will remain open so that we can peacefully
resolve this threat.
If North Korea genuinely embarks on a process to complete denuclearization, we are prepared
to work with the international community to present an audacious plan that will vastly
strengthen North Korea’s economy and improve the quality of life for its people."
The president on Tuesday voiced his humble but firm resolve to lead South Korea out of
various crises,... and play a greater role on the world stage as a defender of liberal
democracy.
"Korea is the tenth largest economy in the world.
It is incumbent upon us to take on a greater role befitting our stature as a global leader.
We must actively protect and promote universal values and international norms that are based
on freedom and respect for human rights.
We must take on an even greater role in expanding freedom and human rights not just for ourselves
but also for others.
The international community expects us to do so.
We must answer that call.
It is futile to differentiate between domestic issues and international issues.
When we assume a greater international role, we can also find the right solution for many
of our domestic challenges.
"
Yoon pledged to do his utmost to elevate South Korea into a country that truly belongs to
the people.
A country based on the pillars of freedom, human rights, fairness and solidarity.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.