The August 15 Unification Doctrine: a clear articulation of achieving
a “free and unified Republic of Korea”
Unification Minister Kim
Yung Ho attends a press conference at the invitation of the SFCC
(August 22)
On August 22, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho
attended a press conference at the invitation of the Seoul Foreign
Correspondents Club (SFCC) where he explained the August 15
Unification Doctrine announced by President Yoon Suk Yeol at a
ceremony to mark the 79th anniversary of Liberation Day.
Firstly, Minister Kim conveyed that the August 15 Unification
Doctrine is structured around a 3-3-7 framework, which encapsulates
three visions, three implementation strategies, and seven action
plans. He highlighted that the doctrine’s significance lies in its
clear articulation of the Republic of Korea’s goal of achieving a
“free and unified Republic of Korea” grounded in the nation’s
constitution and universal values.
Moreover, he explained that the three unification visions are a
“country full of happiness where people’s freedom and safety are
guaranteed, a strong and prosperous country, and a country that
contributes to global peace and prosperity.” The three implementation
strategies are “ensuring that our people firmly possess the values and
capabilities needed to pursue freedom-based unification, changing the
minds of North Korean people to make them ardently desire a
freedom-based unification, and standing in solidarity with the
international community.”
Minister Kim then outlined the follow-up measures for the seven
action plans and urged foreign correspondents to show interest and
support in garnering international cooperation for the Republic of
Korea’s journey towards a freedom-based unification.
Seven Action Plans
First, activating unification
programs.
Second, a multifaceted approach to improve human rights
in North Korea.
Third, providing humanitarian aid to help
guarantee North Koreans’ right to life.
Fourth, expanding North
Korean resident’s right of access to information.
Fifth, inviting
North Korean defectors to play a role in enhancing our ability to
achieve unification.
Sixth, proposing that authorities from both
Koreas establish a “Consultative Body for Dialogue.”
Seventh,
garnering the international community’s support for freedom-based
unification by creating the international Korean Peninsula Forum.
