Hamyang County Holds 76th Memorial Ceremony for Civilian Victims

Commemorating the Wrongfully Killed Civilian Victims of Hamyang
Before and After the Korean War

Hamyang County announced that on September 25, the 76th Annual Memorial Ceremony for the Victims Among Civilians in Hamyang was held at the Civilian Victims Memorial Park located in Dobuk-ri, Sudong-myeon, Hamyang County, South Gyeongsang Province. The ceremony commemorated the civilians of Hamyang who were wrongfully killed before and after the Korean War.

The memorial ceremony was solemnly conducted in the order of the national anthem, floral tribute and incense offering, and memorial address, with the attendance of County Governor Jin Byungyoung, Chae Yonghyun, president of the Victims’ Bereaved Families Association, bereaved families, Kim Yuntaek, chairman of the Hamyang County Council, Jeong Sanggi, president of the Hamyang Cultural Center, as well as heads of various organizations and institutions.

The 76th Annual Memorial Ceremony for the Victims Among Civilians in Hamyang County.

In his memorial address, County Governor Jin Byungyoung stated, "I sincerely offer my condolences to the victims who lost their lives innocently before and after the Korean War, and to their bereaved families. Let us never forget the painful memories of this history in Hamyang County, and let us steadfastly uphold the values of justice and peace."

Chae Yonghyun, president of the Victims’ Bereaved Families Association, said, "I sincerely thank Hamyang County for comforting the spirits of the wrongfully killed victims every year and for sharing in the pain and sorrow of our bereaved families."

The Hamyang civilian massacre was a tragic event in which more than 300 people were killed before and after the Korean War, including over 80 civilians from nine towns and villages, as well as members of the Bodo League and those whose origins could not be identified. In 2009, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Past Affairs for Truth and Reconciliation officially restored the honor of 181 victims.

Meanwhile, in December 2021, Hamyang County established the Civilian Victims Memorial Park in the area of 764-1 Dobuk-ri, Sudong-myeon, to honor the spirits of those who lost their lives before and after the Korean War.