Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 20, at U.N. headquarters. AP-Yonhap

President Yoon Suk-yeol called on U.N. member countries Tuesday to stand together to defend freedom and peace, saying South Korea will step up contributions to solving global issues and problems.

Yoon made the appeal in his first address to the U.N. General Assembly in New York, as he outlined his vision for South Korea's increased role in the global community and acknowledged the support it received from the U.N.

"When freedom of any citizen or nation in the global community is in peril, it is the community of nations that must stand together in solidarity to defend that freedom," he said.

Yoon referred to attempts to "alter the status quo by force," nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and systemic violations of human rights.

"Such threats to freedom and peace must be overcome through solidarity and fearless commitment to the framework of universal global norms consolidated over the years within the U.N. system," he said.

Yoon explained that genuine freedom and peace can be found when there is freedom from disease, hunger, illiteracy and want of energy and culture.

"Genuine freedom is not just being free from the shackles but having opportunities to live life to the fullest with dignity," he said. "Genuine peace is not an absence of war but removing conflict and enmity that hold back shared progress of humanity and building the foundation for greater prosperity."

President Yoon Suk-yeol of South Korea delivers his address during the 77th General Debate inside the General Assembly Hall at United Nations Headquarters in New York, New York, U.S., Sept. 20. EPA-Yonhap