Lee vows to respect N. Korea’s system in March 1 address, seeks end to hostility

President Lee Jae Myung delivers a commemorative address during a ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement at COEX in Seoul, Sunday. Joint Press Corps

President Lee Jae Myung pledged Sunday to respect North Korea’s political system and refrain from hostile actions, saying confrontation serves neither side’s interests on the Korean Peninsula.

“As my administration has repeatedly made clear, we respect the North’s system and will neither engage in any type of hostile acts nor pursue any form of unification by absorption,” Lee said during a ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement.

He stressed that his government has prioritized action over rhetoric in easing inter-Korean tensions.

“Just as we have proactively taken a series of measures through actions rather than words to reduce military tensions and restore mutual trust between the two Koreas, we will consistently do everything necessary to build peace on the Korean Peninsula and restore inter-Korean trust,” he said.

Lee also pledged to work toward resuming dialogue with Pyongyang.

“We will continue our efforts to restart talks with the North,” he said, adding that Seoul will play a “pacemaker” role by coordinating with the United States and neighboring countries to help facilitate the early resumption of dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks during a military parade commemorating the Ninth Workers’ Party Congress in Pyongyang, Wednesday, in this photo released by the North's Korean Central News Agency, Thursday. His daughter is seen standing behind him. Yonhap

His remarks came as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently reaffirmed Pyongyang’s hardline stance toward the South.

According to the North’s state media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Thursday, Kim said North Korea would “permanently exclude” South Korea from the category of compatriots and take necessary measures, underscoring its position of treating the two Koreas as hostile states.

At the same time, he signaled the possibility of dialogue with Washington, saying there would be no reason not to improve relations if the United States respects North Korea’s status and withdraws its hostile policy.

Tensions have also been heightened by a drone incident. A graduate student in his 30s and two others allegedly sent unmanned aerial vehicles toward areas near Gaeseong, Sept. 27, 2025, and Jan. 4, 2026. Both drones were shot down by North Korea. On Jan. 10, Pyongyang warned that Seoul would “have to pay the price” for what it called a repeated provocation infringing on its sovereignty.

Seoul later expressed regret over the incident. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said Feb. 10 that the “reckless” drone incursion posed a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

President Lee also pledged a thorough investigation into the case during Sunday's address.

“Last year’s unexpected incursion into North Korea of an unmanned aerial vehicle was a grave threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula. There can never be an excuse for actions that provoke tension and clashes on the Korean Peninsula, which is shared by both the South and the North," he said during the ceremony.

"We will thoroughly ascertain the truth about this incident and implement institutional safeguards to ensure that it never recurs."

President Lee Jae Myung presents the Order of Merit to Hwang In-sung, grandson of the late independence activist Lee Kang-jin, during a ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement at COEX in Seoul, Sunday. Joint Press Corps

The president further underscored the importance of regional cooperation, vowing to promote peace with North Korea, Japan and China to foster prosperity in Northeast Asia.

“We will continue engaging in shuttle diplomacy with Japan and provide proactive support so that the peoples of both countries can more fully experience the benefits of improved relations and unlock new opportunities together,” Lee said.

Reflecting on his recent visits to China and Japan, Lee emphasized the need for Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo to seek common ground, strengthen communication and expand cooperation.

“Following the wishes of our forebears, who sought peace in Northeast Asia as a foundation for world peace, we will continue striving for harmony and shared prosperity,” he said.

People Power Party Chairman Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, left, and Democratic Party of Korea Chairman Rep. Jung Chung-rae attend a ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement at COEX in Seoul, Sunday. Joint Press Corps

Meanwhile, the rival parties clashed over the political situation even as they honored independence fighters on the 107th anniversary.

Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) spokesperson Rep. Park Hae-cheol said the party would “firmly stand against any attempt to undermine the constitutional order” and defend democracy without compromise, describing the 1919 uprising as a declaration of national sovereignty that continues to inspire efforts to overcome present-day challenges.

While paying tribute to the nation’s independence fighters, main opposition People Power Party floor leader Rep. Song Eon-seog said the current situation poses “a fundamental challenge and threat to the democratic republic, which operates on the principles of checks and balances and the separation of powers.”

He denounced the ruling party for unilaterally pushing through what he described as “judiciary-destroying” bills, including a measure to expand the number of Supreme Court justices, saying that “any attempt to undermine the constitutional order based on the separation of powers is a direct affront to the spirit of the March First Movement that gave birth to the democratic republic.”

Senior PPP spokesperson Rep. Choi Bo-yun also urged President Lee to exercise his veto power over the contested legislation.