Jeollanam-do Holds Joint Memorial Service for Civilian Victims of the Korean War in Yeonggwang

Pledging the Path of Truth and Reconciliation Beyond the Scars of War

Jeollanam-do held a joint memorial service for civilian victims before and after the Korean War on the 31st at Yeonggwang Arts Center. Provided by Jeonnam Province

To mark the 75th anniversary of the Korean War, Jeollanam-do held a joint memorial service for civilian victims before and after the Korean War at Yeonggwang Arts Center on October 31, honoring the innocent lives lost in the turmoil of war and ideology and offering comfort to their bereaved families.

The memorial ceremony, organized by the Jeollanam-do Association for Civilian Victims Before and After the Korean War and Jeollanam-do Province, was attended by over 300 people, including Kang Wiwon, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Jeollanam-do, local members of the National Assembly, the mayor of Yeonggwang, provincial council members, bereaved families, and residents. The attendees paid solemn tribute to the souls of the victims.

The event began with a traditional requiem dance (Salpuri), followed by the recitation of a memorial poem, a memorial song, a traditional ritual conducted by Yeonggwang Hyanggyo, prayers and blessings from the four major religions (Buddhism, Won Buddhism, Christianity, and Catholicism), floral tributes and incense offerings, readings of stories from bereaved families, and the adoption of a resolution.

In particular, when the story of Kim Okhwan, a bereaved family member who experienced the Korean War firsthand, was shared, participants expressed deep empathy and condolences in a solemn atmosphere. Subsequently, the Jeollanam-do bereaved family association members reflected on the deep wounds that have persisted for 75 years and announced a resolution calling for truth-finding and the restoration of honor.

The bereaved families emphasized the prompt launch of the third Truth and Reconciliation Commission to ensure a thorough investigation without omissions and the full restoration of honor. They also pointed out the issue of "victims of hostile forces" who are excluded from legal compensation, and requested the government and the National Assembly to revise relevant laws and implement national memorial projects.

In his memorial address, Vice Governor Kang Wiwon stated, "I express my deepest condolences to the souls who were unjustly sacrificed in the profound wounds of modern history caused by the Korean War, and I sincerely offer my sympathy to the bereaved families. Restoring the honor of the victims and their families is a historical duty for Korea to move forward as a nation where justice and human rights prevail. Jeollanam-do will do its utmost to ensure a full investigation of the truth and reconciliation."

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