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President Lee Jae-myung poses for a photo with citizens after watching the film “Independence Army: The Unfinished War” at CGV Yongsan in Seoul on August 17. To mark the 80th Liberation Day, Lee attended the screening with citizens selected by lottery through social media, after the film was recommended to him by actor Cho Jin-woong. / Source: Yonhap News

Marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, President Lee Jae-myung both honored the legacy of Korea’s independence fighters and set out his administration’s direction for inter-Korean reconciliation and future-oriented cooperation with Japan.

◇ Liberation Day screening: “Heroes exist where there is freedom”

On August 17, Lee watched “Independence Army: The Unfinished War” at CGV Yongsan with First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, 119 citizens, and special guests including actor Cho Jin-woong, who recommended the film, director Moon Seung-wook, Rep. Park Hong-keun, and actor Lee Ki-young. The film, a documentary-style production, revisits the independence struggle of Gen. Hong Beom-do and traces the roots of South Korea’s armed forces.

After the screening, Lee said, “Through the life of Gen. Hong Beom-do, we can understand the sacrifices and dedication upon which our nation was built. I hope this film reminds us of the meaning of the 80th Liberation Day and the questions it poses to us today.”

◇ Liberation Day address: dialogue with North, future with Japan

In his Liberation Day speech on August 15, Lee stressed, “We will respect the North’s system, never pursue absorption unification, and refrain from any hostile acts,” signaling a strong bid to restore inter-Korean dialogue. He added, “This year, marking the 80th anniversary of liberation, is the right moment to end confrontation and hostility, and to open a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared growth on the Korean Peninsula. I hope the North responds to our call to restore trust and dialogue.”

The explicit pledge to “respect the North’s system” is seen as the highest level of conciliatory messaging a South Korean president can deliver.

Lee further pledged to gradually restore the September 19 military agreement to prevent accidental clashes and build military trust. On relations with Japan, he shifted emphasis from the past to the future, stating: “Through shuttle diplomacy based on pragmatic, national-interest–oriented diplomacy, we will seek forward-looking cooperation with Japan. I expect the Japanese government to face its painful history and work to preserve mutual trust.”

Separately, at a “People’s Appointment Ceremony” held at Gwanghwamun Square the same day, Lee received a symbolic appointment letter from citizen representatives, vowing: “At the center of state governance will always be the people, the true source of our national power.”