While Seoul is trying to take North-South cooperation to, “a higher level,” North Korea is bowing out of joint Liberation Day (15 August 1945) celebrations for the third time since 2004. The day also happens to be the Republic of Korea’s Foundation Day (1948). South Korea’s president gave a speech for the occasion and managed to avoid any mention of the U.S. role in Korea’s liberation, and said this about the upcoming summit:

In his speech marking the 62nd anniversary of Liberation Day, President Roh Moo-hyun said that he will concentrate on boosting mutual understanding and trust rather than attempt to achieve a historical turning point during the upcoming summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

Translated into reality, the summit will be a chance for South Korea to give more to North Korea, in return for nothing and helping no one but the regime elite. The Dong-a Ilbo editorial on Liberation and Foundation day aptly called some of Roh’s comments concerning the foundation of the ROK, “half-baked leftist” ideals (funny, true). That editorial also called on Koreans to have pride in their Foundation Day.

And Koreans should have pride in the foundation of the Republic of Korea; they have accomplished much in that 59 years. Also see this post on South Korean editorials from this date in 2006, and a photo I snapped two years ago on Liberation Day.