Park vows to end 70 years of conflicting division, open path of unification

In her New Year’s address for 2015 on Wednesday, President Park Geun-hye said, “We will bring an end to 70 years of conflicting national division, and bring North Korea towards trust and change, and thereby establish a specific foundation for national unification, and open the path of unification.” She apparently indicated that her administration will seek to switch its orientation in order to proactively address inter-Korean relations this year, when her government is to pass the halfway point. The South Korean government also made a surprise proposal to the North earlier on Monday that they hold inter-Korean authorities’ talks in January.

In her New Year’s address, President Park said, “This year is a historic year when our country will concurrently mark the 70th anniversary of the nation’s liberation (from Japan’s colonial rule), and the 70th anniversary of national division,” adding, “When reflecting the past 70 years, all of the (South Korean) people joined forces with invincible commitment to create the Miracle of the Han River, and protected and developed freedom and democracy.” She said, “Now, we are standing at the starting point to begin a new 70 years of the Republic of Korea,” adding, “Just as our previous generations have done, we have the historical obligation to inherit a strong and proud Republic of Korea to our future generations.”

“To this end, a pressing task for us is to regain economic vitality” Park said, pledging that “The government will continue to change the nation’s economic constitution to one based on creativity and innovation, and solidify the foundation to open the era of 40,000 US dollars in per-capita national income.” She thus suggested that her administration will make all-out efforts to reform the industrial structure and revitalize people’s livelihoods amidst growing concern over deflation (declining price level amid economic recession).

“As we take this path, the most important thing is unity in the heart of our people,” Park said. “Just as the old saying suggests "Open the path when encountering a mountain, and construct a bridge when encountering a stream of water,’ if we pool together our commitment to and competence in innovation and progress, we can overcome any difficulties no matter how challenging they are.” The presidential office posted a video of the president’s New Year’s address on YouTube on the day.