Unification Ministry Holds the 3rd North Korean-born Citizens’ Day (Bukhyangmin)
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“Embracing Our Hometowns, Connecting Peace”
Unification Ministry Holds the 3rd North Korean-born Citizens’ Day (Bukhyangmin) (July 14)
[Related National Agenda] 116. Alleviating the Sufferings of Division and Resolving Humanitarian Issues
On July 14, the Ministry of Unification hosted the ceremony for the 3rd North Korean-born Citizens’ Day (Bukhyangmin) under the theme “Embracing Hometown, Connecting Peace,” with around 1,000 attendees, including North Korean-born citizens and those working for their settlement support.
The ceremony also invited “Eeum Dongbanja (Connecting Companions)”—the South Korean neighbors, colleagues, friends, and families who accompanied and supported North Korea-born citizens through their settlement journey.
*North Korean-born Citizens’ Day (Bukhyangmin): Marking its 3rd anniversary, the North Korean-born Citizens’ Day was designated as a national memorial day in 2024 to embrace North Korean-born citizens, enhance their rights and interests, and foster an integrated culture between South and North Korean residents.
The ceremony began with a pre-performance by North Korean-born citizen singer Myeong Seong Hee and an opening performance by the Sokcho Dondollari Preservation Society, followed by presentations of successful settlement stories by four North Korean-born citizens, awards for persons of merit, a commemorative performance, and a celebratory performance featuring both South and North Korean performers.
In addition, President Lee Jae Myung delivered a congratulatory address (read by Lim Woongsoon, Second Deputy Director of the National Security Office), along with encouraging remarks from Minister of Unification Chung Dong Young.
In his remarks, Minister Chung stated, “This year, for the first time, we commemorate this day under the name of ‘Bukhyangmin’ (people whose hometown is North Korea).” He added, “The history of titles and names is not simple. Names represent identity.”
He continued, “Everyone has a hometown. Among the more than 34,600 North Korean-born citizens living diligently while longing for their hometowns, the stories of four individuals who overcame the adversities in life must have deeply moved you.” He remarked, “Today’s inspiring stories showed us how an individual’s journey can lead to hope for the community.”
Meanwhile, around North Korean-born Citizens’ Day (Bukhyangmin), local governments across the country are hosting various events, including their own commemorative ceremonies, cultural performances, hands-on activities, and promotional events.
The South Korean government expects that these diverse events, including this commemorative ceremony, will serve as a meaningful opportunity to broaden understanding and empathy toward North Korean-born citizens and share the value of social integration.
Congratulatory Remarks by President Lee Jae Myung
(Read by Lim Woongsoon, Second Deputy Director of the National Security Office)
Dear 35,000 North Korean-born citizens,
I offer my heartfelt congratulations on the 3rd North Korean-born citizens’ Day.
I can only imagine how much deliberation and courage it must have required to leave behind your beloved families and cherished hometowns to choose a new life.
To all of you who still carry a deep longing in a corner of your hearts, I extend my deepest comfort and respect.
I believe that adapting to an unfamiliar society and starting life anew was by no means easy.
You must have endured countless hardships to learn new skills, meet new people, and carve out your own place in society.
I am immensely proud of every one of you for taking root as a vital member of our society through all these journeys.
As proud citizens of the Republic of Korea, the government will care for you with even greater attention so that you do not have to carry the weight of life alone.
I promise that the central government, local governments, and the private sector will join forces to create an environment where you can fully demonstrate your potential.
Furthermore, we will unswervingly pursue the path toward establishing permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and achieving co-prosperity between the South and the North.
Moving beyond conflict and confrontation, we will do our utmost to open a future of coexistence and cooperation.
The lives of North Korean-born citizens bring hope and inspiration to our society.
I firmly believe that the experience of understanding and trusting one another within a new community serves as the foundation for social integration and a valuable asset for preparing a future where South and North Korea live together.
The government of the Republic of Korea will always stand as a strong shield so that you can dream bigger and enjoy greater happiness in this land.
Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on the 3rd North Korean-born Citizens’ Day.
Thank you.
July 14, 2026
Lee Jae Myung
President of the Republic of Korea
