“Three Forget-me-not Blossoms” spring tea session held to
comfort families of detained missionaries in North Korea
Vice Minister Kim Soo Kyung holds meeting with families of detainees
and Pastor Lim Hyeon Soo (March 18)
On March 18, Vice Minister of Unification Kim Soo Kyung invited the
families of detained missionaries Kim Jung wook and Choi Chun gil,
along with Pastor Lim Hyeon Soo, who was previously held in North
Korea, to the public hanok, a traditional Korean house, “Seochon
Lounge” in Seoul. They attended an exhibition titled “Luminous
Beginnings” and shared words of support and encouragement over a
spring tea session named “Three Forget-me-not Blossoms.”
During the tea session, Vice Minister Kim explained that on March
13, the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Working Group on
Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) adopted an opinion stating that North
Korea’s detention of South Korean missionaries constitutes “arbitrary
detention.” She called for their immediate release and proper
compensation under international law and strongly condemned the
North’s blatant religious persecution.
The tea session was arranged with the themes of encouragement and
solace for the families of the detainees. The selection included plum
blossom tea symbolizing “hope” after a harsh winter, persimmon leaf
tea representing “consolation,” warmth, and tranquility, and Wolsan
cake tea signifying unwavering “hope.”
Vice Minister Kim gifted a commemorative plaque filled with messages
of consolation and encouragement from prominent domestic and
international figures, including Canadian Ambassador to the ROK Tamara
Mawhinney, missionary Kenneth Bae, and artist Nanan Kang.
Kim Jung sam, the elder brother of detained missionary Kim Jung
wook, shared his sentiments, stating, “Today’s tea session allowed me
to envision the day when I can sit with my brother and enjoy the scent
of plum blossoms, which have survived the severe winter cold and come
into bloom.”
Pastor Lim encouraged the families, saying, “I hope that my presence
itself can be a source of strength for the families of detainees. I
firmly believe that the prayers, interest, and support of many can
bring about miracles.”
The Ministry of Unification remains steadfast in its responsibility
to protect South Korean citizens and will spare no effort in
addressing detainee issues by raising public awareness and
strengthening cooperation with the international community.
