President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need to clearly reveal truths concealed by the state and correct historical wrongs. He made these remarks during a written tribute delivered by Jeon Seong-hwan, Chief of the Presidential Office of Communication, at the 76th National Memorial Ceremony for Civilian Victims of the Korean War, held in the multipurpose hall on the 8th floor of Seoul City Hall.
Lee expressed his deep condolences to all those who lost their lives unjustly, stating, "Many innocent citizens lost their lives in the turmoil of war that shook the Korean Peninsula. Some were victims simply due to differing ideologies, others because they were implicated by family or neighbors, and some did not even know the reasons for their suffering."
He noted that the relentless efforts of the victims' families have uncovered buried truths, and while investigations by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have revealed some aspects of state violence, much work remains to be done. Lee pledged that the government would actively pursue the identification of victims and the recovery of remains, ensuring that families can reunite with their loved ones as soon as possible.
This marks the first time a sitting president has sent a tribute to this memorial event. In response, Jeong Myeong-ho, head of the National Association of Victims' Families, remarked that the president's tribute is a significant moment, as it acknowledges the pain of families who have long been marginalized and confirms the government's commitment to uncovering the truth and restoring the honor of past civilian victims.
Jeong expressed hope that this would serve as a new starting point for more active communication and cooperation between the victims' families and the government to fully reveal the truths concealed by the state and restore the dignity of the victims.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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