'Courage for Freedom'... Odusan Erects 'Day of North Korean Defectors' Monument

Monument Established to Commemorate the Designation of North Korean Defectors Day
Built at a Location Overlooking North Korean Territory
Government's Commitment to Protect All North Korean Defectors

A 'Day of North Korean Defectors Monument' has been erected to honor the courage toward freedom and the residents who sacrificed during the defection process. Following President Yoon Seok-yeol's directive to establish the Day of North Korean Defectors (annually on July 14), it is regarded as a symbol demonstrating the government's strong will to protect and accommodate all defectors.

On the morning of the 1st, the unveiling ceremony of the 'Day of North Korean Defectors' Monument' was held at Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju-si, Gyeonggi Province.
[Photo by Ministry of Unification]

The monument unveiling ceremony was held on the morning of the 1st at the Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. After President Yoon instructed the establishment of the Day of North Korean Defectors in January this year, the Ministry of Unification created it by accepting proposals from various defector organizations. It was erected at a point overlooking the North Korean region.

Along with the intention to engrave the yearning and courage for freedom, the inscription reads, "We hope this will be a space of hope that comforts the arduous journey experienced by North Korean defectors and conveys the future of freedom and unification to the North Korean residents visible beyond the Imjin River."

Monument commemorating the 'Day of North Korean Defectors'.
[Photo by Ministry of Unification]

The Ministry of Unification plans to produce a symbol modeled after the monument and encourage its use among overseas compatriots and the international community. The government intends to widely publicize the significance of establishing the Day of North Korean Defectors and its commitment to protection and accommodation both domestically and abroad. Minister of Unification Kim Young-ho emphasized in his commemorative speech, "We will spread the noble courage of defectors toward freedom to the world."

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