President Moon: "We Must Strive Relentlessly to Prevent Repeating the Adversities of Modern History" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in emphasized the need to "reflect deeply to ensure such history is never repeated" while mentioning General Hong Beom-do and the hardships faced by the Koryoin in modern and contemporary history.

In his commemorative speech at General Hong’s burial ceremony at Daejeon National Cemetery on the 18th, President Moon stated, "Looking back on the suffering of our ancestors, we must surely build a prosperous country that thrives proudly, a strong nation that no one dares to challenge, and a country respected by the international community."

President Moon said, "To achieve this, we must respect ourselves," adding, "The proper recognition of our independence movement history and the rightful honor given to independence activists and their descendants is the beginning."

He continued, "There are still many patriots who have not returned to their homeland, many independence activists who have not been properly acknowledged, and much of the history of the independence movement remains hidden."

Quoting poet Lee Dong-sun, who wrote the ten-volume epic 'Hong Beom-do,' he emphasized, "The return of the General will be a great hope for all the people of the Republic of Korea who are overcoming crises together by trusting and relying on each other during difficult times."

President Moon expressed gratitude to the Kazakhstani government and the Koryoin community who cooperated in the repatriation of the General’s remains, saying, "It has truly taken a long time since the 101st anniversary of the Battle of Bongodong and the Battle of Cheongsanri, and 78 years since the General passed away far from home."

He also mentioned the painful history of the forced relocation of the Koryoin to Central Asia, expressing thanks by saying, "The people of Kazakhstan, despite their own difficulties, willingly extended a helping hand and warmly embraced the Koryoin community."

President Moon evaluated, "The first generation of Koryoin descendants, inheriting the strong spirit of the independence activists, overcame the hardships and difficulties of early settlement and established a new foundation for life," adding, "The General became the spiritual pillar of the Koryoin community in Central Asia."

He concluded, "The Battles of Bongodong and Cheongsanri are ‘histories of victory and hope’ created by ordinary people together," and stated, "By enshrining the General here, we once again pledge to continuously advance toward the Republic of Korea that our forebears dreamed of."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.