President Lee Attends Korean War Anniversary Ceremony: "We Will Build a Peaceful Korean Peninsula with Strong National Defense"

Commemorative Address for the 76th Anniversary of the Korean War
"We Will Steadfastly Safeguard the Republic of Korea Built by Our Heroes"
Three Irregular Forces Honored; Emphasis on Expanding Support for Veterans' Families
"United Nations

On June 25, President Lee Jae-myung marked the 76th anniversary of the Korean War by declaring, "We will protect our people and territory with strong national defense, and we will surely create a peaceful Korean Peninsula where there is no need to worry about war or to fight."

President Lee Jae-myung and Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung are singing the national anthem at the 76th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony of the Korean War held at Suwon Convention Center on June 25, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

During his commemorative speech at the 76th anniversary ceremony of the Korean War held in Gyeonggi Province on the same day, President Lee stated, "The government of popular sovereignty will steadfastly protect this great Republic of Korea built by our heroes." He emphasized, "This is the most certain way we can repay the heroes who defended this country by dedicating their lives and youth."

President Lee described the Korean War as "the most harrowing tragedy in the history of the Republic of Korea" and expressed his deep gratitude and condolences to the veterans and their families. He said, "The peace and prosperity we now enjoy were never granted for free," adding, "They were made possible by the noble sacrifices and dedication of heroes who gave everything and fought on the battlefield when the fate of the nation was hanging by a thread."

President Lee especially highlighted that, during the war, not only regular soldiers but also students and civilians went to the front lines to defend the country. He said, "Students became student soldiers, trading pens for rifles, and ordinary people with no experience of firing a gun bravely plunged into a hail of bullets, determined to protect their country and families."

Regarding policies for veterans, he stated, "It is an unwavering principle of the government of popular sovereignty that special sacrifices and dedication for the country must be met with special rewards and appropriate honors." President Lee promised, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are not just a source of personal pride, but lead to a more honorable and secure life."

On this day, the government awarded three irregular forces members who had achieved outstanding results during the Korean War but had not been recognized for a long time. President Lee said, "Although it is late, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and condolences to the veterans and their families who are now finally receiving the honor they deserve." The honored veterans are the late Kim Jangseong (Chungmu Order of Military Merit), Lee Youngbok (Hwarang Order of Military Merit), and the late Jeon Hajung (Hwarang Order of Military Merit).

President Lee also noted that, since May 20, the amended Act on the Honorable Treatment and Support of Persons of Distinguished Service to the State has been in effect, expanding the eligibility for membership in veterans' organizations to include the families of veterans. He stated, "We will further strengthen institutional support so that the dedication to the nation does not end with the current generation, but continues to be proudly inherited by future generations."

President Lee Jae-myung delivers a commemorative speech at the 76th anniversary ceremony of the Korean War held at the Suwon Convention Center on June 25, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee also expressed his gratitude to the United Nations veterans. He said, "The foundation of freedom and peace enjoyed by the Republic of Korea was built on the noble sacrifices and dedication of United Nations veterans who willingly gave their youth for a small country in the East whose name they had never even heard." He added, "The bond we forged in the trenches 76 years ago has grown into a solid partnership that now works together for world peace and prosperity. Korea, which once received help from the international community and has now grown into a country that gives back after overcoming the scars of war, has a responsibility to repay that debt to the world."

President Lee announced plans to expand diplomatic efforts to honor United Nations veterans, including inviting them to visit Korea. He said, "We will do our best to ensure that the spirit of solidarity born in the trenches continues to live on for future generations." He added, "Our peaceful present is the future they so fiercely wished for," and expressed his deep respect and gratitude once again to the veterans and the souls who defended the nation.

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