Truth and Reconciliation Commission "Welcomes Selection of 4·19 Meritorious Persons as Recipients of the Order of Merit for National Foundation"

by Kong Byeongseon

Published 19 Apr.2023 14:38(KST)

The 2nd Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Past Affairs (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) has expressed its welcome regarding the government's awarding of the Order of Merit for National Foundation to the heroes of the April 19 Revolution.

4·19 Revolution Records [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th, Kim Gwang-dong, chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, stated in a press release that he deeply appreciates the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs for implementing the commission's recommendation. On the same day, at the 63rd anniversary ceremony of the April 19 Revolution held at the National April 19 Democratic Cemetery, the Ministry recognized the late Kwon Chan-ju and Lee Jeom-deok as national patriots and awarded them the Order of Merit for National Foundation. Last November, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission recommended that the government apologize to the victims and bereaved families who suffered human rights violations due to their participation in the March 15 fraudulent election protests, and take appropriate measures to restore their damages and honor.

The late Mrs. Kwon and Mr. Lee are subjects for whom the Truth and Reconciliation Commission decided to ascertain the truth regarding the March 15 Uprising. According to the commission, after the disappearance of her son, the late martyr Kim Ju-yeol, Mrs. Kwon searched throughout Masan city in Gyeongnam to find him. This led to public sympathy and support, and after the discovery of Kim's body, it became a catalyst for large-scale protests.

Mr. Lee participated in the March 15 Uprising protests and was assaulted and detained by the police. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission revealed through extensive investigations, including the first acquisition of the 'Masan Riot Incident Report' prepared by the Army Special Forces at the time, that Mr. Lee suffered severe human rights violations at the Namseong-dong police substation under the Masan Police Station. This case was also the first truth verification case related to the March 15 Uprising submitted to the commission.

A representative of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission said, "The fact that the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is actively implementing the commission's recommended measures, such as awarding the Order of Patriotism to the late Kim Eon-bae last month and recognizing these heroes this time, is very significant," and added, "We hope that related government agencies will actively and promptly implement recommendations regarding other cases."

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is investigating cases under the Act on the Restoration of Honor for Participants in the March 15 Uprising, which came into effect on January 21 last year. As of this month, it is investigating a total of 340 cases, including 399 applications and one ex officio investigation, and has so far decided on the truth verification for 16 cases involving 17 individuals.