Commemorative Address for the 106th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement
Distinguished independence patriots and bereaved families,
three million citizens of Incheon Metropolitan City,
and seven million Koreans residing overseas!
On this day 106 years ago, the united voices of our people calling for independence
laid the foundation for the peace and happiness we enjoy today
in a free and strong democratic republic—the Republic of Korea.
Incheon is a city deeply rooted in the history of our independence movement,
from which the spirit of the March 1st Movement spread nationwide.
Students at Incheon Changyeong Elementary School drew Taegeukgi
(Korean national flags) on classroom blackboards and resolved to boycott classes in protest.
Three hundred citizens responded by gathering at Manguk Park (now Jayu Park)
to shout for independence.
At Hwangeo Market, over one thousand citizens proclaimed,
“Long Live Korean Independence!”
Even on smaller islands such as Yongyudo Island and Deokjeokdo Island,
children proudly waved handmade cotton Taegeukgi flags.
In doing so, we became united as one,
transcending region, class, religion, and ideology.
Our ancestors transformed the profound sorrow of losing our country
into the noble ideal of “world peace.”
They emphasized humanitarian values and global peace,
declaring independence as a rightful claim for all humanity to coexist peacefully.
Through the Declaration of Independence, embodying a spirit of nonviolent peace,
our ancestors envisioned a peaceful world where all humankind could live together.
Thus, our independence movement was not merely about
restoring national sovereignty and individual dignity.
It marked the starting point toward achieving global peace beyond Asia.
As you all know well, Incheon itself is a city historically
dedicated to safeguarding global peace and freedom.
Young people from around the world gave their lives here in Incheon
for the sake of peace and freedom.
Last year, Incheon officially joined the International Cities of Peace network,
approved by the United Nations. Having already achieved prosperity and peace,
Incheon will now develop further into a city committed to preserving global peace.
Dear respected citizens,
Today, Incheon is evolving into a global city
centered around the Incheon Free Economic Zone,
Incheon International Airport, and Incheon Port,
connected globally by air and sea.
It embraces diverse cultures, growing as a place
where people from around the globe coexist.
Incheon is emerging as a center of South Korea’s economy and urban diplomacy,
fulfilling the spirit of peace and equality proclaimed by our independence movement.
Incheon is a city of hope, where younger generations,
who will lead the future of the Republic of Korea, cultivate their dreams.
By proposing solutions to the nation’s critical challenge of declining birthrates,
Incheon demonstrates leadership through increasing population
and outstanding economic growth, actively driving South Korea’s advancement.
Moving forward, we will continue transforming
and growing to become a truly global city.
Following the historic openings of Incheon Port
and Incheon International Airport,
we now embrace our “third era of openness,”
aiming to fulfill our vision of becoming a global Top 10 city
and advancing as an inclusive city connecting
the Republic of Korea with the world.
Our goal is clear: to become a “world-class city where all citizens are happy.”
Today, I pledge before you that I will dedicate all efforts to building
a stronger Incheon and a more prosperous Republic of Korea.
I will strive tirelessly so that the dreams of Incheon
can positively transform our nation’s future.
Respected citizens!
Koreans residing overseas, independence patriots, and bereaved families!
Today, thanks to our ancestors' sacrifice and devotion,
we enjoy freedom, peace, and prosperity.
However, the Republic of Korea currently faces
a critical turning point politically, economically, and socially.
International conditions are also increasingly complex and challenging.
Our society today stands at the height of conflict
due to centralized politics and severe factionalism.
Ignoring fundamental values such as political integrity, sincerity,
and competence, populist tactics aimed solely
at gaining central power have harmed our nation deeply.
Now is precisely the time to break this vicious cycle
and overcome longstanding ideological divisions.
We must urgently address the chronic problems
caused by the excessive centralization of
power and the pervasive over-politicization within our society.
While this moment represents a national crisis,
it also provides a valuable opportunity to correct our flawed political structures.
As President of the Governors Association of the Republic of Korea (GAROK),
I have proposed a constitutional amendment
advocating decentralization to achieve political stability.
We must redistribute the power excessively concentrated in the presidency
and central government, shifting authority to local governments.
By doing so, central and local governments can collaborate as equal partners,
ushering in a new decentralized era.
This effort will write a new chapter in the political, administrative,
cultural, and welfare history of the Republic of Korea.
I pledge my full commitment to boldly reforming the outdated and
centralized political system established thirty years ago.
I will strive to open a new era of local autonomy and decentralization,
laying a foundation that will guide our nation successfully into the next century.
Though the present is difficult and challenging,
if we courageously shed our outdated structures
and endure the inevitable growing pains,
we will undoubtedly be reborn as a stronger, revitalized Republic of Korea.
With a spirit of unwavering determination to stabilize and restore our nation,
I pledge to devote my utmost effort to correcting what is wrong
and setting our country firmly on the right path in this time of crisis.
By embracing the courageous spirit of our ancestors,
we will surely overcome today's hardships as well.
Once again, I extend my deepest respect
and heartfelt gratitude to the independence heroes
who sacrificed everything for our nation’s independence and freedom.
Together, united, we can overcome any difficulty.
At the center of this collective effort will be myself and Incheon Metropolitan City.
Thank you.
