President Lee Meets Bereaved Families of Pro-Democracy Activists: "Ensure You Never Have to Wander the Streets Again"

President Lee Jae-myung invited members of the National Association of Bereaved Families for Democracy to the Blue House for a luncheon meeting, offering words of comfort and gratitude.

President Lee stated, "Through the fierce struggles of our parents, families, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, South Korea has regained and normalized its democracy. We will always remember and honor your hard work, the sacrifices of the victims, and your role in building and protecting democracy."

He added, "Although it may not be perfect, we are doing our utmost to build the world you desired and the victims desperately hoped for. I do regret that we have not been able to achieve as much as intended or desired. I will listen to your words and find what can be done."

In response, Chang Nam-soo, president of the association, remarked, "It is an honor and a privilege to meet President Lee at the Blue House, having previously met him on the streets and at a lawyer's office. I wish him to become a president who remains in history."

He then requested the prompt enactment of the Act on the Honor and Support of Persons of Distinguished Service to Democracy, as well as the collective awarding of orders and medals to about 100 out of the 136 martyrs who have yet to receive them.

Other members also shared their thoughts and suggestions throughout the luncheon.

Choi Jong-soon, the older brother of the late activist Choi Woo-hyuk, expressed concern that core records might be destroyed following the disbandment of the Defense Security Command, requesting the disclosure of state violence-related data from the National Intelligence Service, the National Police Agency, and the Defense Security Command.

Kang Min-jo, the father of the late activist Kang Kyung-dae, appealed, "Please retrieve the medals delivered under the name of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and reissue them under the name of President Lee."

Many other members also asked for the swift enactment of the Act on Persons of Distinguished Service to Democracy.

Voices also emerged calling for a thorough truth-finding investigation into the Yongsan tragedy and the withdrawal of state appeals regarding suspicious military death cases.

Jung Jung-won, the mother of the late activist Kim Yoon-ki, expressed her gratitude, saying, "My son passed away in Seongnam in 1989, and I belatedly learned that President Lee attended the funeral and helped carry the bier."

After listening attentively, President Lee pledged, "I will make sure that the members of the association never have to wander the streets again. I will do my absolute best to help dismantle the tent in front of the National Assembly."

The association is an organization formed by the bereaved families of pro-democracy martyrs who sacrificed their lives fighting against military dictatorship for democracy in the 1970s and 1980s, marking its 40th anniversary this year.

Blue House Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryung stated in a written briefing, "While past administrations have invited some executive members to the Blue House, this is the first time a large number of members have been invited to a luncheon meeting like today."

(Photo: Provided by the Blue House Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.