President Lee Bows 90 Degrees to "MinGahyeop Mothers," Vows to Build a Nation Free from Human Rights Abuses (Comprehensive)

"Symbols of Democracy, Living History"
"Too Many Sacrificed Due to the Desires of a Few"
"Today's Korea Owes Its Progress to the Mothers' Dedicated and Fierce Struggle"
"The Foundation of National Development Lies in Creating a Fair and Tra

On November 12, President Lee Jaemyung expressed his gratitude with a deep 90-degree bow during a meeting with members of the Association of Families for Democracy Movement (Minkahyeop), calling them "mothers whose lives are synonymous with the history and symbol of democracy in Korea." President Lee also recalled, "I used to meet you on the streets, and now seeing you here fills me with deep emotion," referencing their shared experiences at the forefront of the democratization movement.

Yonhap News Agency

The 'Minkahyeop Invitational Luncheon Meeting' was held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on this day. Among the participants were Jo Soondeok, the standing chairwoman of Minkahyeop, Kim Jeongsuk, who has devoted over 40 years to the organization, and Lee Yonghyeon, who secretly supported prisoners of conscience while working as a correctional officer and later joined Minkahyeop after retirement. These and other members have dedicated themselves for many years to democracy and human rights. President Lee, dressed in a black suit with a blue and black patterned tie, greeted each attendee with a handshake, saying, "You look well," and "Please, have a seat."

In his opening remarks, President Lee addressed state violence and human rights abuses during the era of military dictatorship. He said, "For a very long time, the people of Korea suffered under dictatorship-subjected to human rights violations, imprisonment, death, and disability, enduring immense pain. The mothers here were always the first to rush to those painful sites of struggle, fighting without sparing themselves. Thanks to their dedication, Korea has become a democratic nation recognized by the world, a country that continues to grow and develop. I believe it is the result of the mothers' devoted and fierce struggle," he emphasized, adding, "On behalf of the people, I want to express my gratitude once again."

Regarding the meaning of democracy, President Lee said it is directly connected to people’s real lives. "There are many aspects to national development, but the most important is enabling all members to live hopeful and happy lives in a free and peaceful environment," he stated. "Because of the wrongful actions and trivial desires of a few, far too many people have been sacrificed," he pointed out.

President Lee continued, "I believe the greatest foundation for national development is to create a fair and transparent environment where all members can fully realize their potential in a free setting. Democracy may seem abstract, but I think it is actually the most practical, experiential, and hands-on subject."

He went on to say, "I hope that, going forward, mothers will no longer have to suffer on the front lines. I also hope we will never again see families sacrificed by unjust power, forced to spend their lives fighting on the streets because of it."

President Lee also spoke of his sense of indebtedness to the Minkahyeop mothers. "Our people will never forget the long years of hardship and painful journeys endured by the Minkahyeop mothers. I, too, met you many times in the field and have always felt indebted and sorry," he said.

He continued, "I will not forget these feelings, and while it may not be possible for you to be completely happy from this moment on, I will do my utmost to help you lead your daily lives with pride. I promise to create a better, happier environment, a truly democratic country, a nation free from human rights abuses-one that is free, transparent, equal, and fair."

Yonhap News

Jo Soondeok, standing chairwoman of Minkahyeop and representative of the attendees, recalled that she first met President Lee 28 years ago, saying, "The President was a young and handsome man back then," drawing laughter. She added, "There are only a few mothers left, and as the 40th anniversary approaches, we have many concerns. There are hardly any records like white papers or photo albums, but we are trying to find them all, so please help us as much as you can," she requested.

An Youngmin, former chairman of the National Council of University Student Associations and now head of the Minkahyeop 40th Anniversary Project Committee, also said, "Minkahyeop is the oldest civil society organization in Korea, but even the task of documenting and organizing its history is overwhelming. I hope the government will take a great interest so that the 40-year history of Minkahyeop’s dedication to improving human rights in Korea can be preserved as a record."

In addition, Kim Namsu, standing representative of the National Council of University Democracy Alumni Associations, stressed the necessity for the third Truth and Reconciliation Commission to have investigative authority, especially to uncover the truth and restore the honor of victims in cases such as forced conscription during the democratization movement.

During the luncheon, President Lee repeatedly encouraged the Minkahyeop mothers to freely share anything they had prepared or wanted to say. However, according to Kang Yoojeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, the mothers instead expressed concern for the President’s health, saying, "The stability of the nation depends on the President’s well-being, so please take good care of your health." After the luncheon, the Minkahyeop members presented President Lee with a commemorative photo album marking the organization’s 40th anniversary.

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