President Lee Jae-myung stated on August 13 that "the history of independence, national defense, and democracy is not separate but a single narrative that has shaped today’s South Korea," pledging to enhance recognition and support for national merit recipients and their families.
On this day, President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung hosted a luncheon at the Blue House for over 130 national merit recipients and their families. He remarked, "Special sacrifices warrant special compensation. We must remember and document these noble sacrifices and ideals to create a nation where someone will step up in times of crisis."
He continued, "Today’s South Korea exists because there were those who willingly sacrificed their lives at critical junctures in modern history, allowing our citizens to dream of a future in freedom and peace. I express deep gratitude and respect for the noble sacrifices and dedication of all our citizens."
President Lee emphasized that while the eras they defended and the forms of sacrifice and dedication varied, the shared intent to protect South Korea and build a better nation remained constant. He noted, "These noble sacrifices have become a strong root supporting South Korea and a great force uniting us."
This event was organized by merging separate annual luncheons held around June, which is designated as National Defense and Veterans Month, and August, which marks Liberation Day. The government explained that it aims to honor the history of independence, national defense, and democratization as a unified national narrative while strengthening comprehensive recognition for national merit recipients and their families.
Attendees included descendants of independence activists, veterans of the Korean War and Vietnam War, families of those who participated in the Second Yeonpyeong Sea Battle and the Yeonpyeong Island shelling, families of the fallen from the Cheonan sinking, families of deceased military personnel and firefighters, and those recognized for their contributions to the March 15 Uprising, April 19 Revolution, and May 18 Democratic Movement. The selection focused on those who had not attended a Blue House luncheon in the past five years.
President Lee acknowledged the presence of descendants of independence activists who have returned to their homeland from distant lands, as well as the parents of deceased military personnel who have endured the weight of sacrifice for the nation. He stated, "Each individual who dedicated themselves to the country is a key figure in shaping today’s South Korea."
He particularly highlighted the government's commitment to improving systems under the principle of "special sacrifices deserve special compensation," ensuring that recognition for sacrifices is elevated and support is strengthened. He noted that the scope and targets of compensation are being expanded, necessary medical support is being enhanced, and efforts to pass on the spirit of veterans to future generations and expand veterans diplomacy are underway.
President Lee also addressed the importance of veterans beyond ideological and political divides. He asked, "Is there any division between progressives and conservatives in repaying the noble dedication of those who risked their lives for the homeland?" He promised to do everything possible to ensure that the sacrifices and dedication of national merit recipients and their families lead South Korea to greater heights on the global stage.
He concluded by stating, "I will not cease efforts to ensure that the value of veterans is fully passed on to the next generation, and I will fulfill the nation’s responsibilities and obligations to protect the honor and lives of national merit recipients and their families."
Before the luncheon, President Lee presented Taegeukgi badges to three representatives from the fields of independence, national defense, and democracy. The recipients included Kim Mak-sim, a descendant of an independence activist currently practicing medicine in Kazakhstan; Choi Jae-woo, the father of the late Private Choi Min-seo, who died during winter training in 2023; and Lee Myung-ja, the spouse of the late Jeong Dong-nyeon, a recognized figure from the May 18 Democratic Movement.
After delivering his prepared remarks, President Lee encouraged attendees to share their thoughts freely, acknowledging that it was a meeting with the president. He directly invited participants, including former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik, to voice their opinions, listening to the voices of national merit recipients and their families.
Lee Jong-chan, chairman of the Korean Independence Association, expressed gratitude for the unified luncheon for families of those who contributed to independence, national defense, and democratization. Families of fallen soldiers and those recognized for their contributions to the democratic movement also conveyed their hope that the nation would not forget and remember their sacrifices.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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