By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young
Master Cheon Gong (real name Lee Cheon Gong) contributed an exclusive article in a conversation with Publisher Lee Jon-young of Diplomacy Journal about the leadership and vision of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is facing impeachment, for the future of a free and prosperous Korea. – Ed.
The following is the full text of his contribution.
President Yoon Suk-yeol has had an extraordinary journey in the modern history of South Korea, practicing the values of principle and fairness, and has presented a vision of a nation centered on freedom and prosperity. A champion of the rule of law and fairness from his early days as a prosecutor, President Yoon has prioritized principles over personal security and refused to compromise on injustice even at the center of power.
He earned a reputation as a “prosecutor unyielding to power” by investigating large-scale corruption cases, and gained the trust of the public by upholding the rule of law and fairness. These principles have remained consistent throughout his political career and presidency, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country's future as a liberal democracy and market economy.
Since taking office, President Yoon has been centered on the belief that “freedom is a universal value,” and has worked to ensure the freedom of each and every citizen, strengthen the nation's integrity, and position South Korea as a global leader. He is also working to ensure that a free and just South Korea can play a responsible role in the world and build a brighter future.
Reforming the country through liberal democracy and the rule of law
President Yoon has been working tirelessly to lead Korea to a new leap forward centered on liberal democracy and the rule of law. Since taking office, he has implemented three major reforms in labor, pensions, and education to address the country's long-standing structural problems and create a fairer society where each citizen is free to fulfill his or her potential. In particular, he has focused his policies on reforming unfair structures that infringe on individual freedoms and substantially improving people's lives.
President Yoon's vision aims for social cohesion and sustainable development based on freedom, and it has helped position South Korea as a respected nation in the world.
South Korea as a global partner
President Yoon has worked to strengthen international cooperation in the areas of economics, technology, and diplomacy so that South Korea can play a responsible role in the global community as a free nation. To this end, he is working to stabilize global supply chains in high-tech industries such as semiconductors, batteries, and defense, and is promoting Korea's competitiveness to the world. He has also endeavored to build trust with the international community based on the values of freedom and peace in various international arenas.
Free and strong alliance, strengthening U.S.-ROK relations
President Yoon emphasizes the U.S.-South Korea alliance as the most important pillar of Korea's freedom and security. Through cooperation with the United States, he has sought to achieve not only economic stability, but also advanced technology and energy cooperation, and joint efforts to build a peaceful Northeast Asia. This alliance is a model for defending freedom and peace, and can serve as the foundation for South Korea's growth as a global leader.
Journey toward a future of freedom and prosperity
South Korea is now facing a very challenging time of turmoil and conflict. All the contradictions of the world and the desires and wishes of individuals are on display, burning as if they will never be extinguished. This means that we are nearing the end of an era dominated by the forces of iron and fire.
When society is in trouble, a leader must share the difficulties with the people, overcome them, and stand up. The president is a man ordained by heaven. In other words, it is not someone who is raised by an organization, but someone who grows into a talented person and receives the support of the heavens. President Yoon did not grow up learning politics from a political party. He is a person who has grown up following his own beliefs and philosophy, regardless of politics. Only such a person can be chosen by heaven. Therefore, no matter what difficulties he faces, if he steadfastly maintains his conviction to serve the people, heaven will give him strength and help him not to fail.
The situation that President Yoon may be facing now may seem very challenging and difficult. However, these difficulties do not mean failure. Rather, it is a process of growing into a future leader. As a leader, he has to face the difficulties of his people in the worst possible conditions, and seek and research solutions.
The future is the age of water, the age of peace and wisdom. When President Yoon exercises wisdom leadership, with the free will of the people and the help of heaven, Korea will successfully overcome the current difficulties and move forward to a brighter future.
In a new era centered on wisdom and freedom, Korea will be able to go beyond mere economic growth and become a country that promotes the values of freedom and fairness to the world.
President Yoon continues to study and strive to lead Korea to a fairer and more prosperous society based on freedom and the rule of law. As we move beyond the Age of Iron and Fire, the Age of War, and into the Age of Peace, the Age of Water and Wisdom, President Yoon's leadership of freedom and wisdom will be a beacon of hope for the future of Korea and the world.
