President Lee Apologizes to State Violence Victims, Vows Proactive Truth-Seeking

President Lee Jae-myung extended a profound apology to victims of state violence that occurred in South Korea since the nation's liberation. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Blue House for victims, Lee expressed deep condolences and pledged to prevent any recurrence of such violence, ensuring no innocent lives are lost.

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I said everything I wanted to say. It was hard to hold back tears while facing the president, and I couldn't even eat lunch.

The event, timed with the launch of the third Truth and Reconciliation Commission, provided a platform for over 50 victims from approximately 20 different cases to share their experiences. These cases included incidents related to media consolidation, the National Assembly spy ring, the.'”Inhyukdang” incident, abducted fishermen, the Sabuk mining disaster, Konkuk University, the Silmido operation, suspicious deaths, Zainichi Koreans, and the Seosan Pioneer Corps. Fourteen victims delivered testimonies and conveyed their expectations to the government.

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I tried hard to speak up, but I didn't get the chance. Still, it was a meaningful day because the president personally bowed his head and apologized for the state's wrongdoing.

Victims shared deeply personal accounts. Kang Geum-ja, whose father was a member of the Constituent Assembly, recounted how her mother was abducted by soldiers searching for her father after he was taken to the North. Lim Choong-bin, a survivor of the Silmido operation executions, expressed gratitude for the president's direct apology, calling it a meaningful day. He stated, "I tried hard to speak up, but I didn't get the chance. Still, it was a meaningful day because the president personally bowed his head and apologized for the state's wrongdoing."

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I offer my deep condolences and apologies to all victims of state violence that has occurred in this land since liberation.

President Lee committed to a more proactive approach in uncovering the truth, moving beyond a system reliant solely on victim applications. "We will do our utmost to uncover the truth that has not yet been revealed through active investigations initiated by the state," Lee stated. He emphasized that "the state's responsibility has no expiration date," referencing the recent amendment to the Act on the Establishment and Management of, and the Provision of Support for, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which legally clarifies the state's responsibility for compensation, restitution, and restoration of honor for victims.

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I will work with a heavy sense of responsibility as president to ensure that no further state violence occurs in our Republic of Korea, and that not a single innocent victim is lost.