Kwon Oh-eul, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, attended a memorial service on July 19 for former President Syngman Rhee, marking the 61st anniversary of his passing. During the ceremony, Kwon expressed the government's commitment to national unity.
At the memorial held at the National Cemetery in Seoul's Dongjak District, Kwon stated, "There are still many differing voices regarding the future of the Republic of Korea in Gwanghwamun. We must consider how to channel that energy into national development."
Kwon emphasized that both President Rhee and independence leader Kim Gu dedicated themselves to the development of South Korea, sharing the same goals but differing in their methods. He urged finding solutions to the current conflicts among various factions based on Rhee's words and writings.
According to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, Kwon also proposed open communication between the Syngman Rhee Foundation and the Kim Gu Foundation to promote national unity.
The memorial, organized by the Syngman Rhee Foundation, was attended by Kwon and around 300 guests, including members of the foundation and families of independence activists.
Additionally, on the morning of July 18, Kwon visited the grave of former President Yun Bo-seon in Asan, South Chungcheong Province, to pay his respects on the 36th anniversary of Yun's passing.
Kwon is also scheduled to visit the National Daejeon Cemetery on July 20 to honor Hong Ki, the widow of former President Choi Kyu-ha, on the 22nd anniversary of her death.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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