President Lee Bows Deeply to Mingagyeop Mothers: "I Will Build a Free and Fair Nation Without Human Rights Violations"

"Symbols of Democracy, Living History"
"Too Many Sacrificed Because of the Desires of a Few"
"Today's Korea Owes Its Existence to the Devoted and Fierce Struggles of the Mothers"
"The Foundation of National Development Is Creating a Fair an

On November 12, President Lee Jaemyung invited members of the Association of Families for Democracy Practice (Minkahyeop) and expressed his gratitude with a deep 90-degree bow, calling them "mothers of Minkahyeop, who are living symbols of the history of democracy in Korea." President Lee also recalled their shared experiences at the forefront of democratization, saying, "We used to meet on the streets, and now seeing you here fills me with deep emotion."

Yonhap News Agency

The 'Minkahyeop Invitation Luncheon Meeting' was held at the presidential office in Yongsan on this day, attended by the association's chairwoman, Cho Soondeok, and other mothers of Minkahyeop. Also present were Ahn Youngmin, a former executive of the National Council of Student Representatives (Jeondaehyeop)-a symbolic organization of the university democratization movement after the June 1987 Struggle and currently president of the Jeondaehyeop Alumni Association-and Kim Namsu, president of the Korea University Democratic Alumni Association and standing representative of the National University Democratic Alumni Council. President Lee entered the room wearing a black suit and a blue-and-black patterned tie, greeting each attendee with a handshake and saying, "You haven't changed," and "Please have a seat."

In his opening remarks, President Lee addressed state violence and human rights abuses during the era of military dictatorship. He stated, "For a very long time, the people of Korea suffered under dictatorship, experiencing human rights violations, imprisonment, death, disability, and truly immense pain. Mothers like you were always the first to rush to those painful sites of struggle, and thanks to your selfless fight, Korea has become a democratic nation admired by the world, a country that has grown and developed. I believe it is thanks to the devoted and fierce struggle of the mothers here today," he said, emphasizing, "On behalf of the people of Korea, I want to express my gratitude once again."

Regarding the meaning of democracy, President Lee said it is directly connected to real life. "There are many aspects to national development, but the most important thing is enabling members of society to live hopeful and happy lives in a free and peaceful environment," he said. "Because of a handful of misguided individuals and groups, too many people have been sacrificed for trivial desires," he pointed out.

President Lee continued, "I believe the greatest foundation for national development is to create a fair and transparent environment where all members can fully realize their potential in a free setting. Democracy may seem abstract, but I think it is the most practical, experiential, and on-the-ground issue."

He added, "I hope that from now on, mothers will no longer have to suffer on the front lines. I never want to see families sacrificed by unjust power and forced to spend their lives fighting in the streets ever again."

President Lee also shared his sense of indebtedness to the mothers of Minkahyeop. "The people of Korea will never forget the long years of hardship, effort, and painful journeys endured by the mothers of Minkahyeop," he said. "I, too, met you many times at the sites of struggle, and I have always felt indebted and sorry."

He continued, "I will never forget these feelings, and while it may not be possible for you to be completely happy from this moment on, I will do my utmost to ensure you can live your daily lives with pride. I promise to create a better, happier environment, a truly democratic nation, a country without human rights violations-a free, transparent, equal, and fair country."

Yonhap News Agency

Following President Lee's remarks, Cho Soondeok, the chairwoman of Minkahyeop, responded by saying, "Mr. President, you have also endured difficult times, and I hope you will continue to do well," wishing him good health and success in state affairs. Chairwoman Cho explained that Minkahyeop, originally established as the 'Association of Families of the Detained,' changed its name in 1985 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. She also requested continued interest and support for the ongoing effort to document the history of the democratization movement.