Three Forget-me-not Blossoms Monuments
Established at Sites of North Korean Abductions
- The
Republic of Korea Will Never Forget You: Unveiling Ceremony for
“Monument for Safe Return of Teenage Abductees” -
May 20, 2024
A trilateral summit convened at Camp David in August last year,
where the leaders of the Republic of Korea, the United States, and
Japan reaffirmed their collective commitment to resolving the issue of
abductees, detainees and prisoners of war (POWs). Subsequently, the
Ministry of Unification established the Abductees Response Team under
direct ministerial oversight.
As part of these continued endeavors, the Ministry crafted the
symbolic Three Forget-me-not Blossoms to encourage nationwide
involvement in advocating for the repatriation of our citizens
kidnapped by and held captive in North Korea, as well as in
understanding the anguish of their families, while also preserving
their enduring right to be remembered.
The symbol was incorporated into the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms
badge, which was worn by the both President and all the ministers
during the Cabinet Meeting on March 24, emphasizing their commitment
to resolving the issue concerning the abductees, detainees, and
unrepatriated POWs. The international solidarity surrounding the Three
Forget-me-not Blossoms is expanding, as evidenced by prominent figures
wearing the badge: members of the United Kingdom All-Party
Parliamentary Group on North Korea (North Korea APPG); Francisco
Manuel Paolotron, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations and
Religion of the Senate of the Republic of Argentina; Joel Antonio
Hernández García, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human
Rights in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico; and Carsten
Schneider, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor and Federal
Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany.
The Ministry of Unification has displayed artist Nanan Kang’s Garden
of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms at the Seoul International Garden
Show 2024, running from May 16 to October 8. This artwork is expected
to raise public awareness and encourage participation in addressing
the abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated POWs issue.
On May 24, the Minister of Unification will visit the site at which
high school students were abducted from over 40 years ago. This will
mark the first time a government minister visits this location. During
the visit, the Minister will unveil a monument dedicated to the return
of the abducted high school students, offer comfort to their families,
and reiterate the call for their immediate repatriation.
The Ministry of Unification plans to establish monuments at both
Seonyudo Beach and Hongdo Beach, where the abductions took place.
These monuments aim to remind visitors of the pain endured by the
abducted students and their families, urging them to join the efforts
to bring the victims back home.
The monuments bear the message, “The Republic of Korea will never
forget you,” representing the government’s strong resolve. They also
call on the public to support the swift return of the high school
students to their homeland.
The Ministry of Unification will host ceremonies to unveil the
Monuments for Safe Return of Teenage Abductees. The first ceremony
will take place at Seonyudo Beach on May 24 at 11:30 AM, followed by a
second ceremony at Hongdo Beach on May 27 at the same time.
The Seonyudo Beach event on May 24 will be attended by Kim Yung-ho,
Minister of Unification; Julie Turner, US Special Envoy on North
Korean Human Rights Issues; Lee Shin-wha, Republic of Korea’s
ambassador for international cooperation on North Korean human rights;
Choi Sung-ryong, representative of the Family Assembly of those
Abducted to North Korea; and other family members of abduction victims.
The second unveiling ceremony at Hongdo Beach on May 27 will be
presided over by Unification Vice Minister Moon Seoung-hyun, with the
attendance of Mr. Choi Sung-ryong and families of students who were
abducted from Hongdo Beach.
The Ministry of Unification acknowledges the resolution of the issue
as a vital duty in protecting our nationals. We are committed to
working hand in hand with our citizens and collaborating with the
international community to ensure the swift return of these
individuals to the embrace of their families through our utmost efforts.
As we acknowledge the 10th year of missionaries Kim Kook kie and
Choi Chun gil’s detention, we pledge to redouble our efforts. We are
steadfast in our commitment to collaborate closely with our citizens
and the international community, striving tirelessly to resolve the
issue concerning abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war.
* Unofficial translation
