(Unofficial translation)

This Cabinet Meeting today has been arranged at the Kim Koo Museum and Library in consideration of the national significance of the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement. According to historical records, it is the first Cabinet Meeting convened outside of a government building other than in times of war.

We naturally assume a solemn demeanor as we gather for a Cabinet Meeting, the Government’s supreme apparatus for policy deliberations and decision-making, in this meaningful place steeped in the prestigious stature and indomitable resolve of Kim Koo, independence activists and other key Provisional Government leaders.

Just a while ago, I joined the Cabinet members in paying tribute at the graves of the three martyrs – Lee Bong-chang, Yun Bong-gil and Baek Jeong-gi – and the tombs of the Provisional Government leaders. At the empty tomb to house patriotic martyr Ahn Jung-geun, I renewed my commitment to securing his remains. During the Participatory Government of the Roh Moo-hyun Administration, South and North Korea, in collaboration with the Chinese government, carried out a joint project to unearth the remains of Ahn Jung-geun but failed to locate them. Once the joint excavation project is implemented in earnest between the two Koreas or among the South, North and China, it will hold extraordinary significance and have a greater chance of success as well.

My Administration has worked hard to reshape the nation’s approach toward remembering the history of the independence movement and honoring independence activists. That’s because they are part of our proud history and the roots that have made today’s Republic of Korea possible. Wiping out the vestiges of pro-Japanese collaborators and holding the independence movement in high esteem are also the beginning of upholding the national spirit and moving toward a just country.

The Government is continuing its efforts to uncover and restore unknown or undisclosed chapters in the history of the independence movement. These endeavors have helped identify numerous female independence activists and members of the volunteer righteous army who have, until now, been excluded from the history of our independence movement, and historic sites at home and abroad related to the independence movement are being restored. In addition to the Kim Koo Museum and Library here, a Provisional Korean Government memorial hall is also being built as part of the efforts to bequeath the spirit of the independence movement and the history of a democratic republic to our future generations. All of these endeavors are intended to help us stand tall and prepare for the next century.

Also in line with this spirit, today, the Government has decided to posthumously confer the Republic of Korea Medal, the Order of Merit for National Foundation First Grade, to independence activist Yu Gwan-sun. Yu Gwan-sun is the symbol of the March First Independence Movement. She dedicated herself to our country’s independence as a 16-year-old student by spearheading the Manse protests. Learning about her life and how she maintained an indomitable will even after being imprisoned, we can appreciate the preciousness of self-reliant independence and the nobility of sacrifices for the nation. Independence activist Yu Gwan-sun is deeply etched on the hearts of the people as a symbol of the March First Independence Movement, and this fact alone is sufficient to qualify her as the recipient of a national first-grade honor. 

Moreover, there have been a series of moves abroad to recall and honor the righteous mettle of independence activist Yu Gwan-sun. Not long ago, the New York State Senate and Assembly adopted a resolution to commemorate Yu Gwan-sun and the centennial of the March First Independence Movement. I hope that the conferment of the Order of Merit for National Foundation First Grade to Yu Gwan-sun will serve as an opportunity to further enhance the significance of the centennial of the March First Independence Movement.

The Republic of Korea has achieved so much to date. One hundred years ago, we were reduced to a colony as we were unable to determine our destiny independently amid the rivalry of major foreign powers. However, our standing in the international community has changed completely now. We fully deserve to be proud of ourselves.    

Most of all, we have prevailed over colonization and war and become the world’s 11th largest economic powerhouse in terms of GDP through remarkable economic growth. Korea is the seventh nation that has surpassed 50 million in total population and US$30,000 in per capita income at the same time. Marveling at the accomplishments made through the people’s sweat, many countries around the world are asking us for economic cooperation.

Moreover, when the world was grappling with democracy being in a state of crisis, we provided it hope for democracy by reviving our own through the candlelight revolution. People the world over are expressing respect for our having restored democracy through a most peaceful and beautiful means combined with the sheer strength of the people.  

The international order surrounding the Korean Peninsula is also changing. What is most significant is the fact that we ourselves have been able to take the lead in driving the change. Regarding the recent changes in developments on the Korean Peninsula, the international community is highly evaluating our role. We are no longer standing on the sidelines of history. The next 100 years are about to commence, moving beyond the centennial of the March First Independence Movement and the Provisional Republic of Korea Government. I hope that we can usher in a new era together with pride and confidence that we have the capabilities to open the next century with renewed resolve.