One of 157 Victims from Hongnong-eup, Yeonggwang
Regarded as a "Turning Point for Restoring Substantive Truth"
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families regarding the first identification of remains excavated from those who fell victim to hostile forces before and after the Korean War, which was confirmed in the Yeonggwang area on the 19th.
This identification of the victim is especially significant as it marks the first time in 20 years since the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that the identity of remains of those sacrificed by hostile forces has been confirmed.
The identified victim is one of 157 individuals who lost their lives between 1949 and 1950 in areas such as Hongnong-eup, Yeonggwang, solely for being police officers, public officials, soldiers, teachers, or their family members. It was confirmed that the victim lost their life due to being a family member of a police officer.
Governor Kim expressed his deepest condolences to the victim who, after 75 long years, has finally returned to their family, and extended heartfelt words of comfort on behalf of all the residents of the province to the bereaved families who have suffered from longing and sorrow.
He added, "This identification is more than just the excavation of remains; it is a turning point for facing the pain of the past and restoring the truth," and stated, "We will embrace the pain of the victims and their families and will faithfully carry out projects to restore the honor of the victims and to commemorate them."
Jeollanam-do plans to continue seeking a path of reconciliation and healing through memorial projects that restore the dignity of the victims and comfort the bereaved families.
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