President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers a speech during a ceremony commemorating Memorial Day at Seoul National Cemetery, Thursday. Yonhap

President Yoon Suk Yeol said, Thursday, that South Korea will never overlook the threat from North Korea and the government will "resolutely respond" to the North's provocations.

Yoon made the remarks in a speech at a ceremony marking the nation's 69th Memorial Day, which commemorates Koreans who contributed to or died while serving the country.

"North Korea, after firing artillery shells into the West Sea and launching missiles, recently carried out a despicable provocation that would make any normal country be ashamed of itself," Yoon said during the ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery.

Yoon criticized North Korea for refusing to "accept the progress of history" and instead "remains on a path of regression."

"The Republic of Korea (ROK) has now become the brightest country in the world, while the land north of the Military Demarcation Line remains the darkest in the world," he said. The acronym "ROK" stands for South Korea's official name.

He added: "Just around 50 kilometers away from here, our compatriots are suffering from starvation with their freedom and human rights brutally deprived. The North Korean regime refuses to accept the progress of history and instead remains on a path of regression, threatening our lives."

Yoon stressed the importance of strength and vowed to maintain an "ironclad readiness posture" against North Korea.

"Peace is maintained through strength, not through submission. We can transform North Korea only if we grow stronger," the president said. "Building upon the more robust ROK-U.S. alliance and cooperation with the international community, we will firmly safeguard our people's freedom and safety."

Recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of all the heroes who have defended South Korea, Yoon vowed to build a stronger country.

"Ultimately, we will only be able to restore the North Korean people's freedom and human rights and move forward toward a free, prosperous and unified Republic of Korea if we become stronger," he said.

"We will build a stronger ROK, a country that advances by taking on challenges and unleashing innovation, a country where the people's lives are prosperous and happy, a country where young people are full of dreams and hopes, and a country where everyone comes together and moves forward into the future."

President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a luncheon with a group of war heroes, patriots and their family members at the former presidential compound of Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Yoon also pledged to modernize welfare services for patriots and veterans, enhance medical care, and broaden rehabilitation support for individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation. Moreover, he vowed to assume complete responsibility for the families of fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in service to the country.

"No matter what happens, the country will take full responsibility for the bereaved families of our heroes who tragically lost their lives in service to the country," he said. "To ensure that the children of our heroes grow up with pride, the nation will become their loving and supportive family."

Yoon mentioned three patriots who lost their lives recently — Fire Sergeant Kim Soo-kwang and Senior Firefighter Park Soo-hoon, who ran into flames to save lives in Muhyeong, North Gyeongsang Province in January and Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Han Jin-ho, who died during a maritime drill in March.

"I pray for the repose of their souls and extend my deepest gratitude to all our heroes who are resolutely dedicated to safeguarding our country even at this very moment," he said.