President Lee Jae-myung commemorated the first Miners' Day, stating, "Thanks to the miners who shouldered their pickaxes and descended into deep, dark coal mines, we were able to enjoy the fruits of industrialization."

In a post on Facebook, President Lee wrote, "I express my deepest respect and gratitude to all the miners who entered the deepest darkness to light up the Republic of Korea."

President Lee mentioned the 1980 Sabuk Incident in Sabuk-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon Province, noting, "What returned to the miners who risked their lives to become the fuel for industrialization were poor working conditions and lives that did not improve."

At the time, coal miners went on strike to protest against poor working conditions and low wages, but the situation escalated into large-scale violence during a standoff with the police.

The Martial Law Command arrested and detained over 200 miners and residents, and human rights abuses such as illegal detention and torture occurred during this process.

"History becomes complete only when we remember both its light and shadow," President Lee said. "I send my comfort and solidarity to all those who have lived with the pain of Sabuk in their hearts."

He added, "Following the release of the film '1980 Sabuk' last year, tearful reconciliations and handshakes are taking place between the miners and police, and between the miners and judges who were involved in the incident at the time. I am deeply grateful for the resilience of citizens who are overcoming pain and moving toward unity."

Miners' Day falls on June 29 each year and was designated in accordance with the Special Act on Support for the Development of Coal Industry Transition Regions, which was amended last year.

(Photo: Blue House Photo Press Corps, Yonhap News)