By UN Journal Lee Jon-young

Delivering remarks at the 74th anniversary of the Korean War, President Yoon Suk-yeol called North Korea's signing of a "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" with Russia "an anachronistic act that goes against the progress of history." 

Yoon said, "Our military will maintain a firm readiness posture and respond overwhelmingly to North Korea's provocations so that North Korea will not dare to cross the border of the Republic of Korea under any circumstances." 

 
Yoon and his spouse, Kim Keon-hee, attended the 74th anniversary commemoration of the Korean War held at the Daegu Expo Auditorium on June 25, shaking hands with veterans, veterans' organizations and others to express their gratitude. 

This year's commemoration was held in Daegu to highlight the battles in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, including the battles of Dabudong, Yeongcheon, and Pohang, which were turning points in the Korean War, and for the President to personally meet and thank veterans living in the region. This is the first time President Yoon has attended a June 25 commemoration since taking office. 

"I wish for the eternal rest of the fallen soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations who sacrificed their noble lives to protect the freedom and peace of Korea," President Yoon said in his remarks. 

"I pay tribute to the veterans who jumped into the fire with the single-mindedness of saving the country, and I express my sympathy to the bereaved families who have been living with pain for many years." 

"Daegu, where we are holding a government event today to mark the 74th anniversary of the Korean War, was the temporary capital of the Republic of Korea for the first 33 days of the war," he said. "We fought fiercely and won precious victories in Pohang, Chilgok Dabudong, Angang, Yeongcheon, and other places in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. This decisive victory was a turning point for the Republic of Korea to overcome a desperate crisis and get back on its feet."

In his commemorative remarks, President Yoon condemned North Korea for its recent provocations and threats and reiterated his determination to resolutely confront provocations. 

"While we are on the road to freedom and prosperity, North Korea remains stubbornly on the path of regression and remains the last frozen land on earth," Yoon said, criticizing the North Korean leadership for turning a blind eye to the horrific lives of its people, brutally suppressing the human rights of its compatriots, and focusing on regime security. 

"Despite repeated warnings from the international community, North Korea has continued to upgrade its nuclear and missile capabilities, and is constantly plotting provocations, including despicable and irrational provocations such as the recent release of filth balloons," he added.

 
Regarding last week's North Korea-Russia summit, in which North Korea signed a "Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" with Russia and pledged to strengthen military and economic cooperation in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, he said, "This is an anachronistic action that goes against the progress of history." 

"The government will firmly defend the liberal democracy of the Republic of Korea and the lives of our people against North Korea's provocations and threats," he said. "Peace is not just about words. A strong and ironclad security posture is the way to protect the country and its people and to achieve true peace in this land," he said. "If we grow stronger and stand together as one, a free and prosperous unified Korea will not be a distant future." 

Addressing the veterans and their families who attended the ceremony, Yoon also promised, "The government will do its best to honor the veterans with the highest honors and to further spread a culture of veterans' service in our society where uniformed heroes and their families are respected."