On March 1, 2025, Acting President Choi, in a commemorative speech marking Korea’s Independence Movement Day, put emphasis on establishing the future-oriented liberal democratic community. While at a ceremony in Seoul, Choi concurrently called for national unity, democratic values, and a futuristic spirit of governance.
Key highlights of the speech
Honoring a March 1st Independence Movement
Acting President Choi began by saluting the March 1st Movement of 1919 as a most honorable moment in Korea’s struggle of independence from Japanese colonial rule. He accorded a deep respect for those pre-independence-appreciating political charismatics, and called on people to uphold the legacy of fresh endurance and dreams of democracy.
Assuring the Liberal Democratic Values
He reaffirmed his commitment to liberal democracy and urged South Koreans to protect freedom, humans, and rule by law. Emphasizing that, in bad times, it is even more vital for democratic aspirations, principles, values, and ideals to become the expression of a nation’s identity.
Instead A Future-Oriented Vision
Pointing toward: an enlightened nation, Choi called for progressive unification in South Korea, focusing on economic enlargement through innovation and global cooperation.
A politically stable environment in a nation plunged into heated debates and challenges.
A rejuvenated international relationship, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Unity in the face of political uncertainty
Pointing out that South Korea is going through a period of political uncertainty with the present impeachment process underway for President Yoon Suk-yeol, Choi, therefore, underscored the need for citizens to unite along with the national interest in reaching across party lines. Democracy thrives only when the different opinions cohabit peacefully together.
Public and Political Reactions
The speech drew mixed reactions. Appreciatively went the support for Choi, for stability and for upholding democratic integrity, while disapproval arose directly questioning if his calls for unity could somehow be implemented now that political turmoil is raging.
Future Outlook
While acting president Choi speaks on the one hand of a critical political transition in the Republic of Korea.
