President Lee: "Special Reward for Special Sacrifice... Respect Is Shown Through Action, Not Words"

President Lee Attends 71st Memorial Day Ceremony
"Recovering Illegally Accumulated Assets from Pro-Japanese Collaborators"

On June 6, in commemoration of Memorial Day, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "There must always be a special reward that matches the special sacrifice made for everyone," adding, "Respect and compensation should be delivered through actions, not just words."

During his Memorial Day address at the 71st Memorial Day ceremony held at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, President Lee remarked, "Honoring devotion is the driving force that sustains and advances our national community," reiterating his commitment to these principles.

Lee: "Recovering Illegally Accumulated Assets from Pro-Japanese Collaborators"

President Lee Jae-myung is offering incense at the Memorial Tower during the 71st Memorial Day Ceremony held at Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak District, Seoul, on June 6, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee emphasized, "Today is a day for us to solemnly remember, record, and fulfill our responsibilities to all those who gave their lives for the country." He acknowledged the efforts of independence activists, patriotic martyrs, and democratic citizens. He stressed, "Without their noble sacrifice and dedication, the Republic of Korea as we know it today would not exist, nor would the free and peaceful daily life we enjoy be possible."

President Lee also mentioned the amendment to the "Independence Meritorious Persons Act," which expands compensation for the families of independence patriots, the provision of subsistence support for spouses of veterans, and the designation of semi-veterans' hospitals in Gangwon and Jeju. He explained, "The government of popular sovereignty is steadily fulfilling the promises it made on Memorial Day a year ago." He promised, "We will make only promises we can keep, and once made, we will keep them without fail, thus repaying the noble dedication made for all."

Furthermore, President Lee stated, "It is also a critical duty for those of us living today to hold accountable those who betrayed the community for their own selfish interests," pointing out, "Only when we honor devotion and punish betrayal can we achieve a just integration necessary for the continuity and development of our national community." He continued, "Through the 'Act on the Reversion of Pro-Japanese Assets,' promulgated on June 2, we will investigate and recover assets illegally accumulated by pro-Japanese collaborators, hold them accountable, and set a precedent to prevent recurrence."

Additionally, President Lee emphasized, "Just as we honor those who protected our past, we must also extend due and appropriate respect to the 'uniformed citizens' who protect us today." He pledged, "The government will provide solid support so that uniformed citizens can dedicate themselves fully to their duties for the nation and the people without any shortcomings." He also promised that soldiers injured during military service will be honored as veterans immediately upon discharge and that efforts will be made to improve insufficient treatment and benefits.

Lee: "No Sooner Have We Restored Order Than the Middle East War Surges ... We Will Overcome"

Yonhap News Agency

President Lee stated, "Just as we restored the nation from collapse due to civil strife, a high wave from the Middle East war has hit us, leaving us no time to catch our breath and significantly affecting our economy and daily lives." Nevertheless, he expressed confidence, saying, "I am certain that, as always, the indomitable spirit of the Korean people—who unite even more strongly in times of national crisis—will enable us to overcome any adversity."

He concluded his commemorative address, saying, "The government will overcome this crisis together with the people and dedicate itself to building a proud Republic of Korea—a nation that our fallen heroes and patriotic martyrs longed for. I believe creating such a nation is the true way to honor their sacrifices and further illuminate their noble spirit."

Meanwhile, about 3,000 people, including national merit recipients, their families, government officials, and uniformed personnel, attended the memorial ceremony. The families of the late Sergeant Lee Jae-seok, who died in the line of duty last September while rescuing a man stranded in the tidal flats of Naeri, Yeongheungdo, Ongjin-gun, Incheon; and the late Chief Warrant Officers Jeong Sang-geun and Jang Hee-seong, who were killed in an Army helicopter crash in February this year, were also invited.

After introducing these individuals, President Lee paid tribute, saying, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences. The people of Korea and the Republic of Korea will forever remember the noble spirit of the deceased."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.