President Lee's Message on the 77th Anniversary of the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident
"Correcting History Must Be Done, No Matter How Long It Takes"
President Lee Jae-myung is presiding over a discussion on the theme of decarbonization and green civilization transformation at the 2nd Core Regulation Rationalization Strategy Meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee Jae-myung stated on the 19th, marking the 77th anniversary of the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident, "In accordance with the special law on the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident enacted in 2021, we will swiftly uncover the truth and take responsible actions accordingly."
On this day, President Lee announced through his social media, "As president, I pledge to take all necessary measures with a grave sense of responsibility to ensure that there are no more innocent victims of state violence," emphasizing his commitment.
President Lee explained, "On October 19, 1948, about 2,000 soldiers of the 14th Regiment of the National Defense Guard refused orders to suppress the Jeju 4·3 Incident. The consequences of resisting unjust orders were devastating. During the harsh crackdown, numerous soldiers and civilians were killed across the regions of South Jeolla, North Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang provinces."
He pointed out, "Those who survived and the bereaved families were forced into silence for many years and had to endure sorrow and suffering."
President Lee continued, "Correcting history and establishing justice is something that must be done, even if it takes time," and expressed his gratitude to the bereaved families' association, politicians, and activists from various fields who worked hard for the enactment of the special law.
He added, "I hope that we all remember this painful history, overcome conflict and wounds, and firmly uphold the values of peace and human rights."
The special law on the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident was proposed to uncover the truth about the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident and to restore the honor of the victims and their families. Since the 16th National Assembly in 2001, several bills were proposed, but due to disagreements between the ruling and opposition parties, the law failed to pass until it was finally approved at the National Assembly plenary session on June 29, 2021.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
