Acting President Choi Sang-mok marked the 106th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement on Saturday with a speech emphasizing national unity and historical remembrance. Speaking in Seoul, Choi paid tribute to independence activists and called for strengthening South Korea’s economy and defense to safeguard long-term national stability. He urged Koreans to learn from history and avoid internal divisions that could weaken the country’s global position.

Choi noted that 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between South Korea and Japan and expressed hope that both nations can heal past wounds. He stressed that bilateral cooperation is essential to navigating growing geopolitical uncertainties, though he acknowledged Imperial Japan’s oppression during the colonial period.