Handuksoo: "Comforting the April 3 Incident Victims is a Fundamental National Duty... Efforts to Register with UNESCO"

President Yoon Absent for 2 Consecutive Years
Fact-Finding Investigation to Be Completed by Next Year

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on the 3rd, "We are doing our best to embrace and heal the wounds of the April 3 Incident so that we can move toward a future of harmony and integration," and pledged to also work toward the inscription of the Jeju April 3 Incident on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

Prime Minister Han attended the Jeju April 3 Victims Memorial Ceremony held at the Jeju City April 3 Peace Park and said, "Honoring the souls of the victims of the April 3 Incident and comforting the pain of their bereaved families is a fundamental duty of the state."

President Yoon Suk-yeol did not attend the memorial ceremony that day. Since attending as the president-elect in 2022, President Yoon has been absent for two consecutive years. Last year, Prime Minister Han read President Yoon’s memorial address on his behalf.

Prime Minister Han explained, "Earlier this year, we amended the April 3 Special Act to establish a legal foundation to correct distorted family relationships that were factually inaccurate," adding, "Those who were not guaranteed their rightful entitlements due to the lack of family relationship records can now receive compensation along with the restoration of their honor."

He continued, "Also, by 2025, we will thoroughly complete additional fact-finding investigations and further supplement any remaining shortcomings," he emphasized.

Prime Minister Han said, "We will put more effort into the establishment and operation of a 'Trauma Healing Center' for the full recovery of surviving victims and bereaved families," and added, "'We will also strive for the construction of an International Peace and Culture Center and the inscription on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.'

He stated, "The government is making every effort in all areas of state affairs to ensure that tragedies like the Jeju April 3 Incident never happen again," and "following the will of the people of Jeju,

we will carry on the spirit so that the April 3 Incident can become a 'history of reconciliation and coexistence.'

He added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that Jeju, the island of peace and prosperity, can overcome the pains of the past and develop into the center of South Korea’s future growth."