Yoon's message of hope: Free, unified Korea will benefit the region

S. Korean leader outlines vision for unified peninsula, seeks support of Asean nations

- Chang May Choon

On the day the North Korean military announced it will completely cut off roads and railways connected to South Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol opted to deliver a message of hope instead, focusing on how a unified Korean peninsula will benefit the region.

While in Singapore for a state visit, the South Korean leader on Oct 9 delivered the 47th Singapore Lecture titled "A Vision for Korean Unification Towards a Free, Peaceful, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific Region" at Orchard Hotel. The session was chaired by Singapore's Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Citing the recently announced "August 15 Unification Doctrine", Mr Yoon said: "This doctrine reflects my commitment to strengthening Korea's value system with freedom at its core, my commitment to broadly communicating a message of hope to North Korea on what unification based on freedom can bring, and my commitment to increasing solidarity with the global community in realising this vision."

This marks the first time Mr Yoon has addressed an international audience regarding his vision for a unified Korea.

The doctrine includes programmes to inform North Koreans about the value of freedom and create a desire for change, as well as establishing dialogue with North Korea.