Pond of Three Forget-me-not Blossoms bloom again at Boramae Park
Unification Ministry holds an opening ceremony of the “Pond of the
Three Forget-me-not Blossoms” at the Seoul International Garden Show
2025 (May 23)
On May 23, the Ministry of Unification held the opening ceremony for
the “Pond of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms” at Boramae Park, the
venue of the Seoul International Garden Show 2025.
Following the success of last year’s “Garden of the Three
Forget-me-not Blossoms,” created in collaboration with the Republic of
Korea’s foremost window painter, Nanan Kang, the Unification Ministry
has unveiled a new installation space—the “Pond of the Three
Forget-me-not Blossoms.” The space is dedicated to remembering
abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war, as well as supporting
their families.
*Window painter: An artist who creates illustrations and lettering
on transparent surfaces such as glass, acrylic panels, and film.
“The Pond of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms” conveys different
meanings by day and by night. In the daylight, it represents the
“fragrance of hope radiating from fully bloomed gentle blue
forget-me-nots under the sunlight.” In the night, with the help of
special lighting, it symbolizes the “bright light of a long-awaited
letter finally arriving with the news we have yearned for.”
Nanan stated, “I hope this small pond offers quiet consolation and
becomes a starlight that continues to shine in the darkness for the
families of abductees who have endured unfathomable sorrow and longing
over the years.”
Minister of Unification Kim Yung Ho, Deputy Mayor of Seoul
Metropolitan Government Kim Byungmin, and Representative of UN Human
Rights Office in Seoul James Heenan attended the opening ceremony and
delivered congratulatory messages.
Following the ceremony, Nanan explained the meaning behind the work,
followed by a celebratory performance by soprano Kim Eunkyung.
In his welcoming remarks, Minister Kim stated, “I hope that all who
visit this pond will reflect on the beautifully blooming
forget-me-nots, remember the abductees, and empathize with their
ongoing pain.” He urged, “As a member of the international community,
North Korea must officially apologize for the enforced disappearances
and criminal acts, which are violations of human rights, and take
responsible actions, including confirming the life or death status of
the abductees and allowing their repatriation.”
