By Kim Young-jin
Staff reporter
President Lee Myung-bak vowed Sunday to continue to make diligent efforts for national security and a revitalized economy, despite any challenges facing his administration.
"Undaunted by any predicament, the government will concentrate efforts, without being swayed at all, on defending the country and reviving the economy," Lee said during a Memorial Day speech at the National Cemetery in Seoul.
Lee's pledge came as his administration struggles to address tensions on the Korean Peninsula, which have been soaring since Seoul last month accused Pyongyang of torpedoing its warship Cheonan, killing 46 young South Korean sailors.
Since then, the South has halted nearly all trade and aid to the North and referred the incident to the U.N. Security Council. Pyongyang, meanwhile, has repeatedly denied involvement and threatened “all-out” war against punitive measures.
In addition, the ruling Grand National Party (GNP) took a hit in last week's local elections when the main opposition Democratic Party won seven mayoral and governor posts to the GNP’s six. The loss was seen by many as a referendum on Lee’s hard-line approach toward inter-Korean relations.
The President did not drop any hints as to whether his administration will change its stance toward Pyongyang.
Instead, he drew upon the dream of a reunified Korea in which North Koreans, currently suffering from poverty and oppression, will one day enjoy peace and prosperity alongside South Koreans.
Lee, in his first televised appearance since the June 2 elections, paid tribute to those who have fallen while protecting the country.
He also said the government will redouble its efforts to locate and excavate the remains of soldiers who died in the Korean War (1950-53), and of the independence fighters who fought against Japan's colonization of Korea (1910-45).
The ceremony was attended by some 5,500 people, including family members of the 46 victims of the ship sinking and high-level government officials.