Good morning, fellow Koreans,

There have been many big and important events for the country throughout this year. Many of them have pleased us, but some have been difficult to deal with.

During this single year when we marked the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, North Korea perpetrated two armed provocations. It even committed a war crime against humanity by indiscriminately shelling civilians.

We have thus far shown patience time and again. We have struggled hard to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula one way or another because we do not want to see any more national tragedies. We have been confident that we could secure peace in this land as long as we kept toughing it out. The North Koreans, however, have misread our intentions and aspiration for peace and committed provocations against us without the slightest hesitation.

We have now been awakened to the realization that war can be prevented and peace assured only when such provocations are met with a strong response. Fear of war is never helpful in preventing war. If we are firmly determined to brave any risks, we can fend off any emerging threats. Maintaining impregnable security readiness in defense of the homeland, the Armed Forces must respond relentlessly when they come under attack.

Though the Republic of Korea confronts the most belligerent regime on earth, it has achieved remarkable economic development and full-fledged democratization to the surprise of many throughout the world. All these accomplishments have been made possible thanks to the sweat and tears of our people. Many friends across the globe, too, have provided great help in times of difficulty.

Many young soldiers from far away countries sacrificed their precious lives on this land. Approximately 60,000 troops of the United Nations forces were killed during the Korean War. A young Australian man, who had been married for just three weeks, came to Korea to fight in the War and lost his life. He was laid to rest in the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan.

At this juncture, who should be in charge of safeguarding the Republic of Korea? We must protect our country with our own hands. To this end, we need to stand together united as one. There can be no difference between you and me when it comes to national security because our lives and the survival of the nation depend on it.

Despite that fact, public opinion was disappointingly divided over the sinking of the corvette, the Cheonan. Dozens of young sailors were sacrificed in the sinking, but some denied the findings of the objective, scientific investigations sticking to their ideological lines or political interests. Seeing this, the North Koreans must have thought that their attacks could cause divisiveness in the South and that they might be able to get away with another provocation. They are focusing on trying to pull us apart. For this reason, we need to achieve national unity before taking strong military countermeasures.

If we show the North Koreans how steadfastly united we are, they will not dare challenge us. Their intentions will be thwarted. They always have their eyes open to take advantage of any opportunity if they detect any divisiveness in our minds and thoughts.

We have learned an invaluable lesson from the North’s shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. All of us have yet again demonstrated unwavering determination, after keenly realizing the fact that if we merely let the North have its own way, national security and peace cannot be guaranteed.

In the wake of the provocation against Yeonpyeong Island, the number of young people who volunteered for the Marine Corps doubled. Mr. Dong Young-joon, a college student who is scheduled to join the Marine Corps, said that he wants to start as early as possible and to be of as much help as possible. His remarks really encouraged me. As you may know well, after completing basic military training, a considerable number of marines are deployed on the five islands in the West Sea, which constitute the front line.

After going through difficult moments, many Koreans, including young people, came to have unflinching ideas concerning what our nation is all about and what genuine love of country is.

We could also see a definite turnabout in the Republic’s Armed Forces. In the barrage of live shells onto Yeonpyeong Island, the marines fought courageously with Corporal Lim Joon-young not even noticing that the camouflage on his helmet had caught fire.

Last Thursday, I made a visit to a front-line army unit in the Eastern region of the nation. I felt really reinvigorated after hearing a soldier’s valiant remarks; “I will stand guard with the idea I am the one who will encounter the enemy. No matter what sort of provocation the North stages, I will do my utmost to fulfill my duties in a resolute and confident manner.”

Such a new mindset is also found elsewhere in society. There are many citizens with great courage and a sense of responsibility. Korea was one of the fastest nations in the world to surmount the economic crisis. We have successfully hosted the G20 Seoul Summit. All these achievements are attributable to the sweat and tears of these citizens.  

The Republic of Korea has to continue to write great new chapters in history. To this end, we need to remain devoted to the nation and have strong convictions about our national identity. Defending our own nation is a basic duty. Now is the time for us to devote ourselves to maintaining global peace, which is an obligation and responsibility of an advanced nation standing tall in the international arena.

The building of an advanced nation will be possible only when we sacrifice ourselves for others rather than simply pursuing our own interest.

My fellow citizens,

We Koreans love peace. Our long cherished wish is to see peace take firm root on the Korean Peninsula and finally to achieve the peaceful reunification of the divided nation.

Long ago, King Sejong the Great remarked, “Always maintain weapons and give commands in a strict manner as if the enemy is about to invade us. One honorable way to govern the nation is to make sure that the enemy dares not think of coveting our nation.”

Struggling with the bitter cold today, our men and women in uniform are doing their best to defend the nation. I join all Koreans in extending gratitude and encouragement for their hard work. I hope you will all keep in mind that the harder you work, the more secure will all Koreans be, including your siblings and parents, thereby enabling them to remain focused on going about their everyday lives without anxiety.

Fellow Koreans,

In just a few days, we will ring in the New Year of 2011. I wish you all good health and a successful conclusion of this year. And I also hope that the New Year will be calmer, more peaceful and filled with new hope.

Thank you very much.