Yangju City Hosts '10th Anniversary Event of Sakhalin Korean Residents' Permanent Return to Korea'

Yangju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kang Su-hyun) announced on the 23rd that it held the "10th Anniversary Commemoration Event of the Permanent Return of Sakhalin Korean Compatriots" at the Gyeonggi Textile Comprehensive Support Center on the 20th.

Yang Soo-hyun, Mayor of Yangju City, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the "10th Anniversary Commemoration of Permanent Return of Sakhalin Korean Residents" held on the 20th at the Gyeonggi Textile Comprehensive Support Center. Photo by Yangju City

This event was organized to reflect on the 10-year journey of the Sakhalin compatriots who returned to their homeland after enduring forced migration during the Japanese colonial period and the pain of division, to remember their sacrifice and dedication, and to express gratitude to all those who supported their return and settlement.

About 120 people, including Sakhalin compatriots, their families, and related personnel, attended the event, adding luster to the occasion. In particular, performances and commemorative videos prepared directly by the compatriots deeply moved the attendees.

Additionally, more than 40 volunteers from the Yangju Sakhalin Camp actively supported the event by donating approximately 4 million won, adding significance to this meaningful occasion.

Mayor Kang Su-hyun of Yangju City stated, “The path walked by the Sakhalin compatriots is an important part of modern Korean history, and we will all remember and never forget it,” adding, “We will spare no effort to support the Sakhalin compatriots so that they can continue to live stable lives.”

Kim Jeong-hee, President of the Yangju Sakhalin Korean Compatriots Association, said, “I remember gaining strength by singing Korean songs even in the cold Russian winter,” and added, “I hope our story will be remembered as part of history, and that all compatriots will unite to create a better tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, the Sakhalin Korean compatriots in Yangju settled through a permanent return measure jointly promoted by the Korean Red Cross at the national level, with 101 people settling in 2014. After 10 years, the number has decreased to 77 due to deaths and other reasons.