Message read aloud by chief listening secretary at 76th national memorial ceremony

President Lee Jae Myung [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that uncovering truths concealed by the state and correcting a wrongful history are duties the government must fulfill, speaking through a written tribute delivered at the 76th national joint memorial ceremony for civilian victims of the Korean War.

The message was read aloud by Jeon Seong-hwan, Chief Listening and Integration Secretary at Cheong Wa Dae, at a multipurpose hall on the eighth floor of Seoul City Hall that afternoon. Lee said he prayed for the souls of civilian victims who perished before and after the Korean War.

It marked the first time a sitting president has sent a tribute to the national joint memorial ceremony hosted by the National Association of Bereaved Families of Korean War Civilian Victims.

Lee opened his message by expressing deep condolences to all those who lost their lives, saying the ceremony marked the 76th anniversary of their sacrifice.

He extended heartfelt comfort to bereaved families who had long endured grief and pain while carrying the loss of loved ones. "Seventy-six years ago, a horrific tragedy unfolded on this land," he said. "Amid the maelstrom of a war that shook the entire Korean Peninsula, countless innocent people lost their lives unjustly."

Lee said the tireless efforts of bereaved families had brought buried truths to light, and that investigations by bodies such as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had partially exposed the reality of state violence — but added that much remained to be done relative to what should rightfully have been achieved.

He went on to say the government would spare no effort in fulfilling its obligations, including establishing the full truth about state violence and restoring the rights of victims.

"The government will actively pursue the recovery of remains and identification of victims so that they may be returned to their families as soon as possible," Lee said.


sang@heraldcorp.com