South Korea’s President Introduces “August 15 Unification Doctrine” on National Liberation Day

New doctrine places significant emphasis on

improving human rights in North Korea,

the right to survival, and access to information

By: Chung Eui-sung'(North Korean defector)

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol presented the “August 15 Unification Doctrine” on the 79th anniversary of National Liberation Day. The doctrine emphasizes human rights improvements in North Korea, ensuring the right to survival, and expanding access to information. The plan also seeks international support by focusing on these key areas.

A Sharp Contrast with Kim Jong-un’s Strategy

President Yoon’s doctrine is in sharp contrast to the stance of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Last December, Kim declared South Korea a “hostile state” during a Party plenary session. He outlined a strategy based on military power and ended North Korea’s peace unification process.

Kim’s policy now promotes forceful unification. He stated that if war breaks out, North Korea would aim to occupy and annex South Korea. Kim described the relationship between the two Koreas as “complete belligerency,” akin to a state of war. His stance uses North Korea’s nuclear capabilities to exploit new Cold War dynamics in Northeast Asia, threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Focus on Expanding Access to Information

A key aspect of Yoon’s policy is the emphasis on the “right to know” for North Korean citizens. President Yoon highlighted the need for greater access to information. This focus builds on testimonies from North Korean defectors and diplomats, who believe the “right to know” is crucial for weakening the regime’s control.

Yoon argues that access to accurate information can dismantle North Korean propaganda. It can also help citizens understand their government’s actions and compare them to freedoms elsewhere in the world.

Kim Jong-un’s Response to Yoon’s Doctrine

In response, Kim Jong-un has increased efforts to block South Korean influence. He fears admiration for the South could lead to absorption by the South. This fear led to the destruction of the Inter-Korean Liaison Office in June 2020, using anti-regime leaflets as an excuse.

North Korea also enacted strict laws, including the death penalty, to curb South Korean influence. These laws, such as the “Reactionary Ideology and Culture Rejection Act” (December 2020) and the “Pyongyang Cultural Language Protection Act” (January 2023), aim to suppress the “Korean Wave” (Hallyu) and create hostility toward South Korea.

Rejection of Kim’s Anti-Nationalistic Policies

Despite Kim’s efforts, his anti-nationalistic policies are widely rejected by the Korean people. They share a 5,000-year-old heritage, culture, and language. His stance has turned him into a public enemy, even among North Koreans who desire unification.

Meanwhile, President Yoon’s “August 15 Unification Doctrine” rejects Kim’s “Two-State Theory.” It promotes the values of liberal democracy and offers a new path for peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula.Meanwhile, President Yoon’s “August 15 Unification Doctrine” rejects Kim’s “Two-State Theory.” It promotesthe values of liberal democracy and offers a new path for peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula.