VISUALS: Liberation Association holds alternative memorial ceremony for independence fighters

By Kim Dong-woo Posted : November 15, 2024, 17:54 Updated : November 15, 2024, 17:56
SEOUL, November 15 (AJP) - A memorial ceremony for independence fighters was held at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Friday.

Hosted by the Liberation Association, the ceremony took place at a separate venue after being denied access to the cemetery's memorial hall.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs had rejected the association's request to use the hall, citing concerns over possible conflicts between those with different historical views.

Friday's event served as an alternative commemoration ahead of the memorial day for those who sacrificed for Korea's independence. Korea was forced to sign the Eulsa Protectorate Treaty on Nov. 17, 1905 by Japan, which deprived it of its diplomatic rights.
 
Participants have a moment of silence during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo
 
Lee Jong-chan, president of the Liberation Association speaks during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo
 
Lee Jong-chan, president of the Liberation Association speaks during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo
 
Participants have a moment of silence during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo
 
Lee Jong-chan, president of the Liberation Association speaks during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo
 
Participants have a moment of silence during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo
 
Lee Jong-chan, president of the Liberation Association speaks during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo
 
Lee Jong-chan, president of the Liberation Association lays flower during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo 
 
Participants lay flower during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo 
 
Participants have a moment of silence during a memorial ceremony for independence fighters at the Seoul National Cemetery in the capital on Nov. 15, 2024. AJP Kim Dong-woo