In a commemorative address marking the nation’s 78th National Liberation Day, President Yoon Suk-yeol celebrated South Korea’s trajectory from a colonized nation to a “global pivotal state” while stressing the country’s enduring challenges. Yoon paid homage to patriots who championed independence and underscored the founding vision of South Korea: a nation built on freedom, democracy and respect for human rights. Highlighting the stark contrast between the democratic prosperity of South Korea and the repressive regime of North Korea, he warned against “anti-state forces that blindly follow communist totalitarianism, distort public opinion, and disrupt society through manipulative propaganda.”

Yoon further emphasized the importance of international alliances, singling out the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Agreement and the U.S.-ROK alliance. In a nod to regional dynamics, he cited cooperation with Japan and underscored the growing significance of U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral security efforts, especially concerning North Korean threats.