President Lee Vows Thorough Investigation into Brothers Home and Forced Adoption Cases

President Lee Hosts Luncheon for Victims of State Violence
"We Cannot Shift the Task of Addressing Past Affairs; The State Must Take Responsibility"

On August 7, President Lee Jae-myung announced the administration's commitment to thoroughly investigate unresolved cases, including overseas forced adoptions and the Brother Home case, in line with the launch of the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Past Affairs).

President Lee held a luncheon to comfort victims of state violence at the Blue House State Guest House’s second floor, saying, “We will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind overseas forced adoptions, as well as human rights violations at collective detention facilities such as Brother Home and Deokseongwon, which have not yet been fully clarified.”

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a greeting speech at the luncheon for victims of state violence held on the occasion of the launch of the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission at the Blue House State Guest House on August 7, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is an institution established to investigate the full scope of state violence, with its 3rd committee launched in February. The first investigations began on July 21. More than 70 victims of state violence—whose cases have been clarified but who have yet to have their honor restored—as well as government officials, attended the luncheon on this day.

President Lee mentioned forced conscription surveillance and conversion operations, the dismissal of Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union members, and the case of abducted and repatriated fishermen, noting, “Countless cases of human rights violations have been committed by state power, including illegal detention, torture, and harsh treatment by state agencies.”

He continued, “The longer the truth remained hidden, the deeper the sense of injustice grew and the more the pain has been handed down to future generations,” adding, “As President, I feel a profound responsibility that the state has not been able to sufficiently answer the desperate questions of the victims.”

He emphasized, “We can no longer pass the long-standing task of addressing past affairs to the next generation. The state must now take responsibility for and heal the wounds it has inflicted on the people.”

President Lee also stated, “We will overcome the limitations of our previous victim-application-based investigations,” and pledged, “Through proactive investigations initiated by the state, we will do our utmost to uncover truths that have yet to be revealed. There is no expiration date for the state’s responsibilities.”

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a greeting at the luncheon to comfort victims of state violence commemorating the launch of the 3rd Truth and Reconciliation Commission, held at the Blue House's guesthouse on August 7, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Additionally, President Lee explained, “With the amendment to the Past Affairs Settlement Act in February, the state’s responsibility to compensate victims and restore their reputation is now clearly stipulated in law. In terms of claims for damages caused by state violence, the statute of limitations will not be applied, ensuring that the state cannot evade accountability for its wrongdoing.”

He added, “I know that a few words cannot wash away the pain and suffering you have experienced,” and pledged, “As President, I will bear the great responsibility of ensuring that there is never again state violence in Korea, and that not a single additional innocent victim is created.”

President Lee said, “I will work together with you to create a true Republic of Korea, where no one suffers injustice at the hands of the state and where the people's lives and human rights are held in the highest regard. Once again, I offer my deepest consolation and apologies to all victims of state violence that has occurred on this land since liberation.”

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