Moon Jae-in

Moon Jae-in (born 24 January 1953) is the 12th President of South Korea, and a former human rights attorney.

Opportunities will be equal. The procedures will be fair. The result will be just.
- Inaugural address of the president of South Korea (2017)

If tensions between the United States and China intensify, North Korea can take advantage of it and capitalize on it.
- "After Trump ‘Failed,’ South Korean Leader Hopes Biden Can Salvage Nuclear Deal" in The New York Times (21 April 2021)

I believe that we need to have North Korea understand that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula.
- "South Korean President Moon talks North Korea's nuclear activities, BTS' new diplomacy role" in ABC News (21 September 2021)

One of the biggest problems with this THAAD deployment decision was that it lacked democratic procedure, and it has resulted in a wide division of the nation and aggravated foreign relations. If the South Korean government were to push this issue further, it would only make matters worse, and it would be more difficult to find a solution to this problem. I hope the U.S. government will fully consider these issues.
- "Interview with Moon Jae-in, set to become South Korea’s next president" in The Washington Post (2 May 2017)

The successful return to daily routines lies down a path never taken. We may encounter unexpected difficulties at any time. However, we will not make the same mistakes again. We will turn this brief pause into an opportune time to move forward.
- "Opening Remarks at 55th Cabinet Meeting" (21 December 2021)

It is very fortunate that our economy has managed to catch two rabbits in two senses: growth and distribution as well as innovation and inclusion. It is a national achievement made by the Government, the people and businesses pulling together. My Administration will do all it can to further develop what has been achieved to date and make up for any shortcomings until the end of my term.
- "Opening Remarks at 2022 Economic Policy Direction Briefing" (20 December 2021)

Democracy did not stop at fighting authoritarianism. It enabled humanity to prosper with the power of freedom and creativity. Democracy is, even now, expanding in a manner that helps people live life to the fullest as humans.
- "Remarks at Virtual Summit for Democracy" (11 December 2021)

Korea is an exemplary testament to the value of democracy. Although having lived through colonial rule and a war, we have grown while complying with international free trade norms and become the first developing country to ascend to the ranks of advanced economies in tandem with progress in democracy. Every time authoritarianism suppressed the Korean people, they protected democracy and moved it forward through peaceful civil revolutions. Korea will build on this experience and contribute to global democracy.
- "Remarks at Virtual Summit for Democracy" (11 December 2021)

The most ardent dream of the global community is creating a life that is peaceful and secure. The birth of the UN has transformed the paradigm of international relations based on competition and conflict into the one of coexistence and shared prosperity. The UN has endeavored to replace the incomplete peace maintained by the balance of power with sustainable peace grounded in cooperation, thereby promoting freedom for entire humanity.
- "Address at 76th Session of United Nations General Assembly" (21 September 2021)

Wherever they are around the world, Koreans are shining stars in their chosen fields. We have fostered hopes and built our strength to recover while trusting, relying on and longing to be with each other. I extend my profound respect and gratitude to our overseas Koreans, the delegation of Korean community leaders and those who rendered distinguished service to Koreans abroad for uniting as one and shining all the more brightly even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
- "Remarks on 15th World Korean Day" (5 October 2021)

If the truth is not revealed, we cannot say it is a just society.
- on the Burning Sun scandal

When you face difficulties and hardships, your homeland is always by your side. The Government will work more meticulously to make it possible for you to take pride in your homeland.
- "Remarks on 15th World Korean Day" (5 October 2021)

When Moon Jae-in looks back on the history of the ROK he holds up only the anti-state riots and protests as high points.
- Brian Reynolds Myers, Interview with Joshua Stanton (August 2017), One Free Korea

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