[Meeting with Philosopher Kim Yong-ok] President Lee: "March 1st Movement Was Our Own Independence Revolution" (July 24, 2025)
[Meeting with Philosopher Kim Yong-ok] President Lee: "March 1st Movement Was Our Own Independence Revolution" (July 24, 2025)
📌 A Dialogue Between Philosophy and Practical Politics
On July 24, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung hosted a luncheon with one of Korea’s most prominent philosophers, Kim Yong-ok, widely known as “Daoool.” This was more than a symbolic meeting—it marked a philosophical alignment between grassroots-driven politics and the intellectual foundation rooted in Korea’s historical and cultural legacy.
Daoool’s striking comparison of President Lee to labor activist Jeon Tae-il, saying that “it’s like Jeon Tae-il becoming president,” underscored Lee’s identity as the president for the working class. The meeting affirmed the current administration’s direction as a government rooted in public service and historical consciousness.
🧭 Daoool’s Historical Framing: Re-defining the March 1st Movement
Kim Yong-ok proposed that the March 1st Movement should be seen as the 'March 1st Independence Revolution,’ not influenced by foreign doctrines like Wilson’s self-determination theory, but rather as a genuine expression of the Korean people’s historical identity and independence.
This perspective pushes for a nationalist reinterpretation of history that could influence education, diplomacy, and cultural policies. President Lee responded by saying that the people’s resistance to the illegal martial law and the June 3 “Revolution of Light” should also be officially recognized as part of Korea’s democratization movement.
🤝 President’s Message: Seeking Unity Through Dialogue
President Lee expressed hope that elders from across the political spectrum, including conservative intellectuals and philosophers like Daoool, could help shape a space for civil dialogue. His remarks reiterated a national agenda of reconciliation and integration.
By inviting traditional conservative thinkers into the dialogue, President Lee aims to transcend partisan divisions and establish a platform where different philosophies converge to guide Korea’s future.
📚 Daoool's Proposal: Grounding Pragmatism in Classical Humanities
Daoool emphasized that the roots of true humanism and governance come from the classics. He suggested that the president’s practical political orientation should be grounded in the wisdom of classical education, including Confucianism, Buddhism, and Donghak.
This suggestion aligns with potential shifts in national education policy and implies that civic leadership must be built upon ethical and philosophical literacy. It also reflects Korea’s deeper cultural commitment to values-led governance.
📝 Full Briefing (English Summary)
On July 24, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung held a luncheon with philosopher Kim Yong-ok (Daoool), known for his intellectual contributions to Korean thought. During the meeting, Kim praised Lee as a president of the people, likening him to Jeon Tae-il becoming president. He emphasized the need to reframe the March 1st Movement as an independence revolution born of Korea’s own historical struggle. President Lee agreed, referencing Korea’s June 3 Revolution and the people’s triumph over martial law, calling it a democratic milestone that should be recognized as part of the country’s civic movement. He also invited veteran conservatives and scholars like Daoool to lead national dialogue and foster unity across social divides. Finally, Daoool recommended strengthening classical humanities education as a philosophical foundation for practical governance.
🔍 Policy Implications and Outlook
- 📖 Education & Culture: Revival of classical humanities and ethics-based curriculum
- 🤝 Social Integration: Platform for bipartisan civic dialogue and reconciliation
- 📢 Leadership Philosophy: Synthesizing democracy, pragmatism, and philosophy
This meeting can be seen as the starting point of a new chapter in President Lee’s leadership—a chapter where political realism is deepened by philosophical conviction, and national unity is pursued through ideas, not just policies.
📎 Further Reading
This content is based on the official briefing released by the Presidential Office on July 24, 2025.
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