By Park Gil-ja and Kim Minji

Major world media have lauded President Moon Jae-in's speech made on March 1 marking the centennial anniversary of the March First Independence Movement. 

Media outlets also covered his role in the improvement of inter-Korean relations by serving as an arbitrator between North Korea and the U.S. since their second summit in Hanoi ended with no agreement.

American media focused on the president’s proposed "new regime" on the Korean Peninsula. Voice of America said he clarified the outline of the new regime and showed great efforts to develop a policy toward inter-Korean reconciliation despite the unsuccessful Hanoi summit.  

The Suddeutsche Zeitung, one of Germany’s largest dailies, stressed Seoul’s efforts as a dialogue promoter and arbitrator to achieve peace on the Korean Peninsula. It also complimented President Moon as the motivator not only of the first Washington-Pyeongyang summit but also the second.

"The peace process now depends on President Moon since the North Korea-U.S. summit in Hanoi failed," the newspaper said in an online article headlined "North Korea's big brother."

In Argentina, the media praised Koreans' aspiration for independence in the movement. The Buenos Aires-based newspaper Perfil said in an article headlined "'Manse (long live),' the centennial cry of Korean independence," "South Koreans shouted 'Manse' to celebrate the centennial anniversary of their independence movement. The movement was the driving force behind Korea's achievement of independence and development and is considered a symbol of the Korean spirit."

Major media in Japan also covered President Moon's speech, noting that he avoided mentioning the delicate issue of Korean women forced to serve as sex slaves for the Japanese military. The daily Mainichi Shimbun also said his intent to improve relations with Japan for peace on the Korean Peninsula was "a new step toward mutual respect."

krun@korea.kr