President Yoon Visits Home of Patriotic Activist, Emphasizes 'First-Class Veterans Affairs' (Comprehensive)

Attended the Joint Escort Ceremony for Patriotic Martyrs: "Heroes Who Fell for Independence, Remembered Until the End"

President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the joint torch relay ceremony for the Korean Liberation Army patriots held at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 14th. / [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the home of patriot Kim Young-gwan on the 14th, a day before Liberation Day, to express his gratitude. President Yoon said, "We will create a country that remembers those who sacrificed for the nation and realizes world-class veterans affairs and national unity, with the state taking full responsibility."

The Presidential Office announced that on the same day, after completing the joint send-off ceremony for the Korean Liberation Army patriots, President Yoon visited Kim's home to express appreciation for his sacrifice and dedication to the country. President Yoon emphasized, "We will ensure that there is no negligence in honoring and supporting the patriots who devoted themselves to the liberation of the homeland."

Kim was born in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. In 1944, he was conscripted into the Japanese army but escaped while on duty and joined the Chinese Central Army's 3rd Front Chungui National Salvation Army Headquarters before enlisting in the Liberation Army. He then engaged in anti-Japanese independence activities in the 1st Zone, 2nd Unit of Hagu Town, Shangrao, Jiangxi Province, within the Chinese 3rd Front, and in the 3rd Division of the Jingmo. In recognition, the government awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Patriotism Medal in 1990. Kim also participated in the Korean War in 1951 and was awarded the Hwarang Military Merit Medal in 1952.

Earlier that day, President Yoon attended the joint send-off ceremony for 17 patriots held at the Memorial Hall of Seoul National Cemetery. The ceremony was arranged to relocate 17 patriots, including the late Kim Yu-shin, who were buried at the Korean Liberation Army joint tomb in Suyu-ri, Seoul, to the National Daejeon Cemetery. President Yoon, as the chief guest, paid respects at the Chungyeoldae and the tombs, and laid flowers for the 17 Liberation Army patriots during the send-off ceremony.

At the event, President Yoon stressed, "We must remember the heroes who fell without leaving their names behind for the independence of the homeland until the very end." He added, "The freedom we enjoy today stands on the sacrifices of those who, amid the dark reality and despair of Japanese colonial rule, threw their lives away like grass for freedom and the independence of the homeland," and bowed his head in prayer for the patriots' souls.

President Yoon also said, "At the Korean Liberation Army joint tomb in Suyu-ri, 17 patriots, including 13 who died fighting the Japanese in their 20s in China or perished in prison, have been enshrined for over 60 years," adding, "After 77 years of liberation, we have been able to bring all 17 patriots to the national cemetery."