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Lee Jae-myung delivers a keynote address at the U.N. General Assembly in New York on September 23. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung made his first appearance at the U.N. General Assembly on September 23, receiving three rounds of applause during a 20-minute keynote address that highlighted Korea’s democratic recovery and a new roadmap for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Speaking as the seventh head of state among 196 member nations, Lee declared that South Korea had fully returned to being a “democratic republic” after the December 3 emergency martial law incident. He also unveiled the “E.N.D. Initiative,” a three-step plan built on Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization.

The first applause came when Lee cited Nobel laureate Han Kang, declaring Korea’s return to democracy. “‘Lead me to the brighter side, where the light shines, where the flowers bloom,’ wrote Han Kang. In that spirit, Korea will serve as a beacon of light for all those who journey toward democracy. Today, before the U.N. General Assembly, I proudly declare that Korea has fully returned to the international community as a new democratic nation,” Lee said, pausing to thank delegates as applause erupted.

The second came as he emphasized principles toward North Korea. “The government of the Republic of Korea will respect the other side’s system, will not pursue any form of absorption unification, and has no intention of engaging in hostile acts,” he said, drawing another round of approval from the chamber.

The final applause marked the conclusion of his speech. “Toward a new era of peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, toward a shared and better future, Korea will march forward boldly at the forefront,” Lee declared, wrapping up his address before stepping down to sustained applause.