Establishment of the Past Affairs Healing Foundation Gains Momentum
Sannae Peace Park in Daejeon to Become a National Memorial for Civilian Victims
Institutional Support and Community Demand Highlighted at Legislative Forum
The establishment of the "Past Affairs Healing Foundation," a long-standing wish of the bereaved families of civilian victims before and after the Korean War and victims of state violence, is being pursued.
On August 20, Assemblyman Jang Cheolmin (Dong-gu, Daejeon) of the Democratic Party of Korea held a forum co-hosted with the National Assembly Legislative Office to initiate the establishment of the Past Affairs Healing Foundation. He also announced plans to entrust the construction and operation of the "National Memorial Facility for Civilian Victims Before and After the Korean War" (tentatively named Sannae Peace Park), which will be built in his constituency of Dong-gu, Daejeon, to this foundation.
This "Forum on Legislative Support for the Establishment of the Past Affairs Healing Foundation and the Full-scale Promotion of Sannae Peace Park" was held at Woosong University in Dong-gu, Daejeon, and was co-hosted by the Legislative Office of the National Assembly Secretariat (Director Jang Jewon) to provide legislative support.
The forum was organized to seek institutional alternatives for healing the wounds of state violence, such as the massacre of civilians at Golryeonggol in Sannae, Daejeon before and after the Korean War, and to address issues related to past affairs.
At the forum, Professor Joo Yoonjung (Pusan National University) gave a presentation on "Institutionalizing Restoration of Past Affairs for Democratic Resilience," emphasizing the need to establish a permanent organization to support victims, manage records, provide education, and foster international solidarity.
Professor Joo stated, "Although there have been many organizations related to past affairs since democratization, records have been fragmented by incident, and the organizations have operated passively, responding only to requests from bereaved families without expertise." She stressed, "Establishing a Korean model for truth and reconciliation regarding past affairs will serve as a starting point for Korea to promote the values of democracy and human rights around the world."
Following this, Executive Committee Chair Im Jaekeun (Daejeon Sannae Golryeonggol Countermeasures Committee) reviewed the progress and challenges of creating Sannae Peace Park, arguing for the necessity of institutional support that reflects the demands of bereaved families and the local community.
Chair Im said, "Next year marks the 10th anniversary since Sannae Golryeonggol was selected as the site for the National Memorial Park for Civilian Victims Before and After the Korean War," and added, "We must reflect on the fact that not only has the park not been completed, but construction has not even begun." He concluded his presentation by urging greater attention from the Daejeon city government.
The comprehensive discussion featured participation from Park Sunju, Honorary Professor (Chungbuk National University), Ahn Kyungho, Head of Investigation (Truth and Reconciliation Commission), Kim Gwangtae, Team Leader (Ministry of the Interior and Safety), and Jeong Jaehwan, Legislative Officer (National Assembly Legislative Office). They presented various policy alternatives, including: ▲ strengthening support systems for victims of past affairs, ▲ institutionalizing the excavation of remains and record management, ▲ creating region-based peace and remembrance spaces, and ▲ enhancing national accountability.
The forum was attended by many local bereaved families, civic groups, and academic experts, demonstrating the high level of community interest in resolving the issues at Sannae Golryeonggol.
Assemblyman Jang stated, "The establishment of the Past Affairs Healing Foundation and the full-scale promotion of Sannae Peace Park will not only restore the honor of victims and bereaved families, but also serve as a starting point for justice, reconciliation, and peace."
He further emphasized, "I will connect the opinions discussed today to legislative and policy actions at the National Assembly level to realize the long-held wishes of victims and their families," and added, "I will do my utmost to ensure that Daejeon becomes the starting point for healing the pain of past affairs and opening the path to justice and reconciliation."
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