[The Editors' Verdict] The Dignity of a Nation Lies in Its Memory

Memorial Day (Hyeonchungil) is not something to be taken lightly as just another holiday. It contains solutions to the real problems facing Korean society. In a world where it feels natural to put oneself before the community, a society indifferent to communal matters is inevitably vulnerable to national crises. The stronger the centrifugal force in society becomes, the looser the bonds become, and ultimately they are destined to break.

This is why the words sacrifice and dedication, which run through Memorial Day, feel especially significant. Pause, rest, and reflection are necessary not only for individuals but also for society. It is a time for the entire society to catch its breath and look back. Memorial Day is such a day. It embraces the life and death of certain individuals and the twists and turns of history.

The choice of some who put "us" before "me" sometimes sublimates into actions that save the nation’s security. We call them heroes. They may be remembered as famous figures known to all, but they may also embody a lonely yet noble life without even leaving their names behind. When Memorial Day approaches, do you somehow feel the need to be solemn in body and mind? Simply harboring such feelings is a practice that strengthens the foundation of the community. If you want to tighten a loosened mindset, you need to return to the basics.

On the 5th, ahead of the 69th Memorial Day, bereaved families visited the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, to pay tribute to the deceased. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

We observe Memorial Day every year, but there is much we do not know about its story. Memorial Day is a day to commemorate the loyalty of soldiers and patriotic martyrs who gave their lives for the country. In 1956, June 6 was designated as a day of remembrance, and in 1970 it was declared a public holiday. Regarding the origin of June 6, the theory related to Mangjong (芒種) has gained traction. Mangjong is one of the 24 solar terms, meaning the appropriate time to sow grain seeds. Since the Goryeo Dynasty, it is known that joint memorial services for fallen soldiers were held around Mangjong.

Originally, Memorial Day focused on the victims of the Korean War, but its scope has expanded to include national crises in history such as the Imjin War and patriotic martyrs during the Japanese colonial period. The terms "patriotic martyrs" (sunguk seonyeol) and "defenders of the nation" (hoguk yeongnyeong) are often used interchangeably in relation to Memorial Day, but strictly speaking, they differ.

Patriotic martyrs refer to those who died fighting to reclaim the lost country, closely related to the independence movement during the Japanese colonial period. According to the "Act on the Honorable Treatment of Independence Patriots," patriotic martyrs are defined as those who died resisting Japan’s infringement on national sovereignty. On the other hand, defenders of the nation refer to honorable souls who gave their lives protecting the country. This term is used for those who died fighting for the nation during national crises such as the Korean War.

The reason we must honor the meanings of defenders of the nation and patriotic martyrs is intertwined with the lessons of history. It is difficult to say that national crises are things of the past that will never be experienced again. If we were to face another national crisis, how many would be willing to risk their lives? Thinking about the future brings a bleak feeling, but we cannot just stand by. The journey to reconnect the loosened bonds of society must be led by the nation.

"The dignity of a nation depends on whom and how the nation remembers."

This passage from President Yoon Suk-yeol’s Memorial Day address last year contains the answer.

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