문 대통령 "언제든 일본 정부와 마주 앉을 준비되어 있어"<br /><br />Today, Korea celebrates its 75th liberation day, also known as "Gwangbokjeol" marking independence from Japan's colonial rule.<br />To honor those who fought for the country's freedom, the government held a memorial event earlier today.<br />Kim Min-ji reports.<br />President Moon Jae-in says South Korea is ready to sit down with Japan anytime for dialogue to find a solution to unsettled bilateral issues.<br />Speaking at an event to mark Liberation Day on Saturday,... Moon said that he believes joint efforts will act as a bridge for future cooperation.<br />Seoul and Tokyo have been at odds following the court ruling in 2018 that ordered Japanese companies to compensate victims of forced labor during its colonial rule.<br />The thorny historical dispute soon expanded to trade and security issues,... and despite efforts to mend ties, there hasn't been any significant progress.<br />"The government respects the court ruling and has been working with the Japanese government to find a solution that victims can agree upon. The door is still open. Our government is ready to sit down with the Japanese government. I believe that joint efforts from South Korea and Japan will become a bridge for future cooperation.<br />On North Korea,.. Moon said sincere liberation would be realized when people's lives are guaranteed on a peaceful and safely unified peninsula.<br />He said Seoul is pursuing peace and seeking inter-Korean cooperation so that the people of South and North Korea can live together safely.<br />He stressed that through cooperation in various areas, including healthcare, forestry and agriculture,... the two Koreas will be able to make a path for co-prosperity and peace.<br />Humanitarian cooperation to protect people's lives and safety, as well as cooperation to allow separated families to meet again and visit anywhere they want is sincere inter-Korean cooperation. Inter-cooperation is the best security policy to rid dependence on nuclear or military force for both sides.<br />Moon said Korea's independence movement was aimed at securing the country and rebuilding the dignity of individuals.<br />He stressed that the government has been pursuing efforts for freedom and equality and fostering a social safety net,... as the country needs to endure to guarantee the decent lives of people.<br />I believe that a country exists to guarantee a life worth living for the people, rather than people existing for a country. This is a generation where people have the dignity and value to pursue happiness, as stated in the constitution. That is the goal of the government.<br />Moon stressed that the government would leave no one behind,... and together with the people will overcome the COVID-19 pandemic as well as natural disasters that are threatening everyday life.<br />Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.<br />
