President Lee Visits Veterans at Central Veterans Hospital President Lee Jae-myung visited the Central Veterans Hospital on June 6 after attending the Memorial Day ceremony, where he met with veterans receiving treatment.Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong provided details of the president's visit in a written briefing.The Central Veterans Hospital, established in 1961 under the Korea Veterans Welfare Medical Corporation, offers medical care and rehabilitation services to veterans. It operates a regional emergency medical center and provides integrated nursing and medical services.Upon arrival, President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung received a warm welcome from veterans and their families. The president greeted each patient individually, inquiring about their well-being and even kneeling to shake hands with those in wheelchairs.The couple then moved to the seventh-floor ward of the Central Building, guided by Hospital Director Shin Ho-cheol, where they met with veterans to check on their treatment progress and health status, offering words of comfort.President Lee expressed deep gratitude for their sacrifices and dedication to the nation, wishing them a speedy recovery. During the visit, a light-hearted exchange occurred when Vietnam War veteran Hwang Dae-sik, who served in the White Horse Division, remarked, "The hospital is very comfortable and nice." President Lee responded, "But you should recover quickly and be discharged," prompting laughter in the room.The president reiterated his appreciation, stating, "Thanks to your sacrifices and dedication, South Korea is recognized as a country in the world today." First Lady Kim also wished the veterans good health.After concluding their visit, the president and first lady stopped by the nursing station to encourage the medical staff and express their gratitude for their hard work.President Lee emphasized that honoring veterans is a fundamental duty of the state and urged that veterans and their families be carefully looked after to ensure they have a comfortable experience during their hospital stay.Additionally, the president and first lady presented gift sets of red ginseng to approximately 8,800 veterans and their families currently hospitalized in veterans hospitals and affiliated medical institutions across the country.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 14:42:00

Conflicting Evaluations of Local Election Results by People Power Party Leadership The leadership of the People Power Party has expressed conflicting evaluations of the results from the June 3 local elections, revealing internal divisions. Amid discussions about the accountability of leader Jang Dong-hyuk for the electoral defeat, differing opinions emerged among the Supreme Council members. According to Yonhap News on June 6, during an emergency Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Shin Dong-wook, a member of the ruling faction, stated, "The public has issued a stern mandate to both the ruling and opposition parties." He emphasized that compared to the local elections following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2018, the party could be seen as having performed significantly well in this election. He further criticized factions opposing Jang Dong-hyuk, saying, "I clearly oppose linking this issue to party leadership and distorting the public's judgment with various political interpretations." In contrast, Woo Jae-jun, a member of the pro-Han Dong-hoon faction, acknowledged, "The June 3 local elections are over. We take the public sentiment seriously," adding, "I apologize as a member of the leadership for not being able to provide significant support to our candidates." After the meeting, he told reporters, "What more is there to say? It is correct to say we did not help." Jang did not provide a separate statement regarding the election results during the Supreme Council meeting. Chief Spokesperson Park Seong-hoon told reporters before the meeting that Jang is listening to the voices of many lawmakers amid calls for him to take responsibility for the election defeat and step down. He noted that Jang had previously stated that his political life depended on winning the mayoral elections in Seoul and Busan. When asked if the overall local election results should be viewed as a defeat following the loss in the Busan mayoral race, he simply replied, "We will humbly accept the voices of the public revealed through the election."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 14:15:00

Kim Jong-un inspects sea trial of destroyer ahead of Xi visit SEOUL, June 06 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected a sea trial of the Kang Kon, a new 5,000-ton destroyer that was once damaged during a ceremony, and called for strengthening naval forces as part of the country’s nuclear war deterrent, state media reported Saturday. The Korean Central News Agency said Kim visited the destroyer on Thursday as it began operational tests and observed its navigation test. Photos released by North Korean state media showed Kim accompanied by his daughter, Ju-ae. Kim boarded the Kang Kon and inspected its combat duty areas, including the command center, while reviewing its sea trial plan and schedule for testing onboard weapons systems, according to KCNA. He praised the crew’s ability to operate the vessel and expressed satisfaction with its maneuverability, saying its cruising and high-speed operation systems were “very good” and capable of meeting operational requirements. “We can deter war and defend peace only when we possess strong and practical military power capable of responsibly exercising military sovereignty in any space on land, at sea and in the air,” Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA. “This is the unchanging position of our party and national defense policy.” Kim said strengthening the navy as a force capable of supporting the country’s nuclear deterrent and striking enemies at sea and underwater was a core task under the party’s new five-year defense policy. He also referred to plans under a five-year naval modernization program approved at the ninth party congress earlier this year, including the development and production of what North Korea called “underwater secret weapons” and the construction of a new 10,000-ton destroyer. The reference marked an apparent expansion of North Korea’s naval ambitions. In March, Kim mentioned plans for an 8,000-ton destroyer while inspecting another new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, but this time he pointed to a larger 10,000-ton-class vessel. South Korea’s newest Aegis destroyer, the Jeongjo the Great-class, has a displacement of 8,200 tons. Kim urged officials and technicians involved in naval weapons development to commission the Choe Hyon and Kang Kon into the navy “as soon as possible.” The latest naval display came just days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to make a state visit to North Korea from June 8 to 9 for talks with Kim, in what would be Xi’s first trip to Pyongyang in nearly seven years. The timing suggests Pyongyang may be seeking to showcase its expanding military capabilities ahead of the summit with its key ally. The Kang Kon was damaged during a launch ceremony in May last year after the vessel tilted and ran aground while being moved into the water. Kim, who witnessed the accident on site, denounced it as a “serious accident and a criminal act” and ordered punishment for those responsible. North Korea salvaged the vessel and held another launch ceremony just 22 days after the accident, but questions had persisted over whether the ship was fully operational. The latest photos released by North Korean media showed the Kang Kon sailing at sea about a year after its relaunch. 2026-06-06 14:09:29

Jang Dong-hyuk Calls for Immediate Investigation into Ballot Shortage Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, called for an immediate national investigation and the establishment of a special prosecutor's office to thoroughly investigate the ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections. According to Yonhap News, Jang made these remarks during an emergency Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on June 6. He expressed skepticism about the Election Commission's announcements, stating, "We cannot know how many more incidents like this have occurred nationwide, and we cannot trust the Election Commission's statements." He criticized the Election Commission's chairman, Noh Tae-ak, who resigned the previous day after revealing the circumstances surrounding the ballot shortage. Jang noted, "Initially, they claimed that ballots were insufficient in 14 locations, but they ultimately admitted that 50 polling stations faced shortages. In fact, the number of locations that received additional ballots reached 67." Jang emphasized that simply accepting Noh's resignation is not enough, insisting that all members of the Central Election Commission, as well as local election commission heads and officials, must be held accountable. He also stressed the urgent need to begin discussions on amending election laws, proposing the formation of a 'National Election Commission Reform Organization' that includes participation from both ruling and opposition parties, as well as experts and citizens. Jang warned, "If Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party continue to ignore the public's outrage, it will lead to the end of their administration."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 12:57:00

U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate Amid Fragile Ceasefire Amid a fragile ceasefire, the United States and Iran engaged in limited military clashes on June 6. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced that it launched ballistic missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain in response to American strikes. The IRGC also reported firing upon four oil tankers that attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without Iran's permission. On the same day, U.S. Central Command, which oversees American forces in the Middle East, confirmed some of the IRGC's claims in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Central Command stated, "Hours after the U.S. intercepted four Iranian suicide drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz, Iran fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain." According to Central Command, after intercepting the Iranian drones, U.S. forces struck Iranian coastal radar sites on Ghuluk and Qeshm Island to defend against further maritime attacks. The clashes appear to have been triggered by Iran's attack on oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Central Command reported that of the seven missiles fired by Iran, six were intercepted, and the remaining missile did not reach its intended target. No U.S. casualties have been reported so far. The command dismissed claims that Iran targeted the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain as false.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 12:30:00

Remembering Fallen Firefighters at the 'Light of Resurrection' Memorial Former firefighter Bang Jeong-o dedicated nearly 12 years to becoming a full-time firefighter, working as a fire truck driver before he died of cardiac arrest while on duty in 1991. His son, Fire Chief Bang Jang-seok, hesitated to apply for his father's memorial placement, questioning whether it was appropriate since he did not die in the line of duty. Earlier this year, the Chungnam Fire Headquarters reached out to him, allowing his father's memorial to be placed at the Fire Memorial. On June 6, the National Fire Agency, led by Commissioner Kim Seung-ryong, held a ceremony at the Fire Memorial in Cheonan, Chungnam, to honor 23 fallen firefighters on the 71st Memorial Day. The Fire Memorial, established in 2001 following the Hongje-dong arson incident, honors the spirits of fallen firefighters and was designated as an official memorial site by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs in April 2022. The Hongje-dong incident occurred on March 4, 2001, when a fire in a multi-family home in the Hongje-dong area of Seoul resulted in the deaths of six firefighters on the scene. The ceremony was attended by over 200 people, including family members of the 23 fallen firefighters, the National Fire Agency Commissioner, the head of the Eastern Chungnam Veterans Affairs Office, and fellow firefighters, who gathered to pay their respects. To date, 464 memorial plaques have been placed at the Fire Memorial, and with the addition of the 23 new plaques, the total now stands at 487. Among those honored were former firefighter Lee Byeong-du, who died in the line of duty in August 2024 after 31 years of service in firefighting and rescue operations, and firefighter Gu Hyeong-seo, who succumbed to an illness related to on-site activities. Fire Chief Lim Seung-yun, who died this year from a lung disease acquired during his service, was also recognized. The 23 fallen firefighters being honored include: the late Kang Ji-hoon, Kim Nak-gil, Kim Dong-hyeok, Kim Seung-hee, Kim Eul-young, Gu Hyeong-seo, Park I-kyu, Park Yeong-gon, Bang Jeong-o, An Dong-cheon, Lee Byeong-du, Lee Sang-yeong, Lee Yong-ho, Lee Chan-won, Lee Chang-geun, Lim Seung-yun, Lim Hyeon-kyu, Oh Hwi-gwon, Yoon Jae-han, Jo Hyeok-yeon, Choi In-ho, Choi Tae-geun, and Choi Hong. The criteria for memorial plaque placement include firefighters, volunteer firefighters, medical firefighters, and social service personnel who died in the line of duty or while performing duties for public safety. Each year, families submit applications for memorial plaques, which are reviewed by the National Fire Agency's memorial plaque review committee. The Fire Memorial, titled 'Light of Resurrection,' features a design that symbolizes the flow of water from a fire hose, with the outer towers representing the hose and the central memorial tower embodying the spirits of the fallen, symbolizing light and the embrace of their memory. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 11:51:00

Incheon Aims to Become Northeast Asia's AI Logistics Hub "Mayor, is Incheon’s future in its airport and port, or in connecting the data generated by them through AI? In ten years, should the world remember Incheon as a logistics city or as a Northeast Asian AI hub?" (ABC AI Era's Question) Incheon is the first city in South Korea to connect with the world. With Incheon International Airport, Incheon Port, and Songdo International City, it has grown as a gateway for people and goods. However, the era of gateways is coming to an end. AI is changing the very standards of logistics, industry, finance, and urban competition. Newly elected Mayor Park Chan-dae has announced a strategy called 'ABC+E,' which focuses on AI, bio, content, and energy, aiming to redraw Incheon’s industrial map. He envisions transforming Incheon from a mere metropolitan city into a future city that connects the Northeast Asian economy. Incheon now faces a pivotal question: Will it remain a gateway to Seoul, or will it become a central city reshaping the Northeast Asian economic landscape in the AI era? The era of airports and ports is ending, and the age of data is beginning. Incheon’s history has been one of pathways. Since its opening, Incheon has been the starting point for South Korea’s connection to the world. Countless ships have passed through, and after the airport was established, people from around the globe entered South Korea via Incheon. Logistics has been Incheon’s strength. However, in the AI era, maintaining competitiveness through simple logistics is becoming increasingly difficult. In the past, competition in the logistics industry was about how quickly goods could be transported. Now, it revolves around how much data can be collected and how accurately predictions can be made. AI is now responsible for analyzing demand for air cargo, predicting ship arrival times, and managing supply chain risks in advance. This is why major ports and airports around the world are competing to adopt AI. AI is no longer a choice; it is a matter of survival. The reason Mayor Park prioritized AI in his ABC+E strategy during the election is clear. He has proposed a vision to promote logistics automation and an AI-driven industrial transition centered around Incheon International Airport and Incheon Port. What matters is not the airport itself. What matters is the data generated at the airport. What matters is not the port itself. What matters is the information generated at the port. Future competition will depend not on how many airplanes one owns, but on how much data one can utilize. Incheon already possesses world-class infrastructure. Incheon International Airport is a global hub, and Incheon Port is a key logistics center in Northeast Asia. The issue is not the infrastructure but its utilization. If logistics flows can be optimized through AI and if the airport and port can be connected as a massive data platform, Incheon could become the center of the AI logistics revolution, transcending its identity as a simple logistics city. If Incheon was once the gateway to South Korea, it must now become the gateway to Northeast Asian data. Songdo must evolve from a bio-city into an AI-converged city. Another competitive edge for Incheon lies in Songdo. Songdo has already developed into a global bio-manufacturing hub, hosting major companies like Samsung Biologics and playing a central role in South Korea’s bio industry. However, in the AI era, the meaning of bio is also changing. In the past, bio was about production. In the future, bio will be about data. AI is now involved in drug development, identifying candidate substances and analyzing clinical data. AI is also being used in medical imaging analysis. The era of providing personalized treatment by analyzing patients' genetic information and medical data is approaching. Ultimately, future bio competitiveness cannot be separated from AI competitiveness. Mayor Park has also highlighted bio as a core growth axis for Incheon since his candidacy announcement. He envisions nurturing Songdo into a global bio-innovation city through the establishment of the Korea Bio Science and Technology Institute and the development of a Bio Science Park. However, the real challenge is not expanding production facilities. It is creating an innovation ecosystem. Boston, the center of the global bio industry, did not succeed because it has many factories; it succeeded because universities, hospitals, research institutes, and investors formed a cohesive network. Songdo must follow the same path. It must become a city where AI researchers, bio companies, startups, and investors converge. When AI and bio intersect and logistics and finance connect, new value will emerge. Mayor Park's recent proposal to add finance (F) to the ABC+E strategy, creating the ABC+EF strategy, aligns with this vision. It aims to build a growth ecosystem by linking industry and finance. In the AI era, ecosystems are more important than factories. The future of Songdo depends on becoming an AI bio-innovation city rather than just a bio-manufacturing city. Incheon’s competition is not with Busan, but with Singapore. Many view Incheon as a satellite city of Seoul. However, in the AI era, that perspective is outdated. Incheon’s competitors are not Seoul. They are Singapore, Shanghai, and Dubai. These cities have all grown into global hubs by combining airports, ports, finance, industry, technology, and data. Singapore itself is a platform. Shanghai is a platform connecting Chinese manufacturing with the global market. Dubai is a platform linking the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. So, what can Incheon become? Incheon also has sufficient conditions. It has Incheon International Airport. It has Incheon Port. It has a free economic zone. It has Songdo International City. It has a bio-cluster. If AI is integrated into these, Incheon has the potential to grow into Northeast Asia’s premier international city. The challenge lies in connectivity. Airports operate independently, and ports move on their own paths. Industrial complexes are developing separately. In the AI era, a city’s ability to connect is its competitiveness. Airports and ports must be linked. Logistics and bio must be connected. Industry and finance must be integrated. Data and administration must be connected. The essence of Mayor Park's ABC+E strategy ultimately lies here. It is not just about growing AI, bio, content, and energy separately, but about connecting them into a single future growth circuit. The world is already moving. Singapore is pursuing a national AI strategy. Shanghai is working on building smart ports. Incheon can no longer afford to delay. If Incheon was once the gateway to South Korea, it must now become a platform for innovation in Northeast Asia. This is the path Incheon must choose in the AI era. SWOT Analysis StrengthIncheon is the only city in South Korea that possesses both Incheon International Airport and Incheon Port, providing world-class infrastructure. It also has Songdo International City, a free economic zone, and a bio-cluster. Mayor Park Chan-dae is promoting a transition to a future industrial city based on the ABC+E strategy centered on AI, bio, content, and energy. WeaknessIncheon has a high dependency on Seoul and lacks a robust independent global corporate ecosystem. There are also development gaps between the airport, port, Songdo, and the old city center. The AI platform companies and venture investment ecosystem are relatively weak compared to competing cities. OpportunityThe rapid growth of AI logistics and the bio industry presents new opportunities for Incheon. If airport and port data can be combined with AI technology, Incheon could secure an advantage in the Northeast Asian logistics hub competition. The bio industry also has significant potential for growth as it integrates with AI drug development. ThreatCompetition with global hub cities like Singapore, Shanghai, and Hong Kong is intensifying. The pace of change in AI and bio technology is also very fast. If Incheon fails to secure talent and capital, its future growth strategy could lose momentum.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 11:12:00

President Lee: Building a Nation Honoring Fallen Heroes President Lee Jae-myung stated on Memorial Day, June 6, that the government will work diligently to overcome crises with the people and create a proud Republic of Korea, a nation that the fallen heroes and patriots longed for. In his speech at the 71st Memorial Day ceremony held at the National Cemetery in Seoul, President Lee emphasized, "The strength of the Korean people to unite as a larger 'us' in the face of national crises will enable us to overcome any challenge." He highlighted that creating a society where peace and prosperity abound is the best way to honor the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and to further illuminate their noble spirit. Full text of President Lee Jae-myung's speech on Memorial Day: Dear citizens, To the national veterans and bereaved families, On this 71st Memorial Day, I pay tribute to the noble sacrifices of the patriots and fallen heroes who dedicated their lives for the Republic of Korea. I extend my deep respect to the national veterans and their families who have devoted themselves for all of us. Today, we are joined by the families of the late Sergeant Lee Jae-seok, who sacrificed his life in the sea after giving his life jacket to save another, and the families of the late Warrant Officers Jeong Sang-geun and Jang Hee-seong, who held onto the helicopter controls until the end to protect the safety of the people. I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences. Our citizens and the Republic of Korea will forever remember the noble spirit of the deceased. Dear citizens, Today is a day for all of us to remember, record, and take responsibility for the noble spirit of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. We stand on the foundation of 'all tomorrows' that they sacrificed. Independence activists dedicated their lives to reclaiming our lost nation. The fallen heroes fought through smoke and fire for the country and the people. Democratic citizens stood against the violence of dictatorship, building a strong democratic nation. Without their noble sacrifices and dedication, the Republic of Korea, which the world admires today, would not exist, nor would our free and peaceful daily lives be possible. Honoring the spirit of our ancestors and giving them the respect they deserve is a historical and social duty we must fulfill. Respect for dedication is the driving force that sustains our national community and propels us forward. If the sacrifices made for all are overlooked, who will step forward for the community in the face of future crises? Therefore, special sacrifices for all must be accompanied by appropriate special compensation and recognition. Recognition and compensation are not just words; they must be enacted. The government of the people is steadily fulfilling the promises made here on Memorial Day last year. The amendment to the 'Independence Activists Law' to expand compensation for the families of independence activists has passed the National Assembly and will take effect next year. Spouses of veterans who have passed away will receive living support funds. We are also making progress in our commitment to establish a comprehensive veterans medical system by gradually expanding contracted medical institutions. We are preparing to designate semi-veteran hospitals in Gangwon and Jeju, where there are no veterans hospitals, to ensure the best medical benefits. We will keep our promises and ensure that we repay the noble sacrifices made for all. In addition to honoring those who protected the community, it is also our crucial duty to hold accountable those who betrayed the community for personal gain. When we elevate dedication and condemn betrayal, we can achieve a just integration for the sustainability and development of our national community. Through the 'Pro-Japanese Property Recovery Act' enacted on June 2, we will investigate and recover the unjustly accumulated wealth of pro-Japanese collaborators and hold them accountable while setting a precedent to prevent recurrence. Just as we must honor those who protected the past, we must also give due recognition to the 'uniformed citizens' who are safeguarding the present. Thanks to the dedication of military personnel, firefighters, police, and coast guard officers, our citizens can enjoy peace of mind in their daily lives today. The government will firmly support 'uniformed citizens' so that they can focus solely on their essential duties for the nation and the people without any shortcomings. We will ensure that soldiers who are injured during service can receive recognition as veterans upon discharge. We are also providing family support allowances to all 'disabled veterans' who were relatively neglected until now. We promise to continue to carefully monitor their treatment and firmly improve any shortcomings. Dear citizens, From our predecessors to the present, whenever the national community faced a critical crisis, we, the Korean people, have united to overcome hardships. That spirit continues through the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and is vividly etched in our hearts today. The Republic of Korea is once again riding the waves of crisis. Just as we were normalizing a nation torn apart by civil war, the high waves of the Middle Eastern conflict have hit us hard, significantly impacting our economy and lives. However, I am confident that we can overcome any crisis because the strength of the Korean people to unite as a larger 'us' in the face of national crises is unwavering. The government will work with the people to overcome this crisis and strive to create a proud Republic of Korea, a nation that the fallen heroes and patriots longed for. A country where everyone can enjoy an equal life regardless of where they live, a safe country where everyone can live without fear, a hopeful nation where a better tomorrow is anticipated, a Republic of Korea filled with peace and prosperity, where we live together harmoniously. I am convinced that creating such a proud nation is the right way to honor the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and to further illuminate their noble spirit. Once again, on this 71st Memorial Day, I pay tribute to the noble sacrifices and dedication of the fallen heroes and patriots. Thank you.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 11:06:00

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Calls for Investigation into Ballot Shortage Incident Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has called for a thorough investigation into the ballot shortage incident that emerged during the June 3 local elections, demanding accountability and a complete overhaul of the election management system. According to Yonhap News Agency, in a statement released on June 6, Mayor Oh criticized the ballot shortage, which was reported at 50 polling stations nationwide, as "a serious infringement on voting rights that cannot be justified by any excuse and a violation of constitutional order." He expressed deep regret that the precious sovereignty of citizens was so helplessly undermined in his city, urging a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Oh emphasized the need to clearly identify the causes of the ballot prediction failure and supply chain issues, and whether there was any intentional wrongdoing or gross negligence. He called on the National Assembly to utilize all means, including a national investigation and special prosecutor, to uncover the truth. The mayor also pointed out the laxity within the election commission, urging strict punishment for those responsible, personnel changes, and organizational reform. He insisted that the election management system must be completely reformed to prevent such incidents from occurring again.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-06 11:06:00

Lee calls for honoring sacrifice, punishing betrayal in Memorial Day speech SEOUL, June 06 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung said that South Korea must honor those who sacrificed for the nation while holding accountable those who betrayed it, speaking at the Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday. During the 71st Memorial Day ceremony at Seoul National Cemetery, Lee said the country has a responsibility not only to honor those who defended it, but also to punish those who betrayed the community for their own interests. “Only when dedication is honored and betrayal is punished can just unity be achieved for the continuity and development of the national community,” Lee said in his memorial address. The ceremony was held with some 3,000 people in attendance, including veterans, bereaved families, government officials and uniformed service members. Lee specifically referred to the Pro-Japanese Property Reversion Act, promulgated on June 2, saying the government would investigate and recover assets unfairly amassed by pro-Japanese collaborators accused of anti-national acts during Japan’s colonial rule. “We will hold them accountable and set an example to prevent such acts from recurring,” he said. Lee also pledged stronger support for veterans, their families and uniformed personnel, saying extraordinary sacrifices made for the public good deserve corresponding compensation. “We will make promises we can keep, and once we make a promise, we will keep it,” he said. “We will repay the noble sacrifices made for all of us.” The president said Memorial Day is a time to remember and record the spirit of those who gave their lives for the country and to fulfill the state’s responsibility toward them. “We stand today on all the tomorrows they gave up,” Lee said. He stressed that properly honoring patriots and fallen service members is a social responsibility of those living today and a driving force that sustains the national community. Calling soldiers, firefighters, police officers and coast guard personnel “citizens in uniform” who protect the present, Lee said the government would provide sufficient support so they can focus on their duties for the nation and the public. Lee also said South Korea is once again facing a wave of crises, citing the economic impact of the Middle East war and efforts to restore the country after domestic turmoil. “But the strength of the Korean people, who have always united in times of national hardship, will allow us to overcome any crisis,” he said. “Building a proud Republic of Korea where peace and prosperity are shared by all is the true way to honor the sacrifices of fallen patriots and war heroes and carry forward their noble spirit,” he said. 2026-06-06 10:59:55