Three Forget-me-not Blossoms Monuments Established at Sites of North Korean Abductions
- The Republic of Korea Will Never Forget You: Unveiling Ceremony for “Monument for Safe Return of Teenage Abductees” -

May 20, 2024

A trilateral summit convened at Camp David in August last year, where the leaders of the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan reaffirmed their collective commitment to resolving the issue of abductees, detainees and prisoners of war (POWs). Subsequently, the Ministry of Unification established the Abductees Response Team under direct ministerial oversight.

As part of these continued endeavors, the Ministry crafted the symbolic Three Forget-me-not Blossoms to encourage nationwide involvement in advocating for the repatriation of our citizens kidnapped by and held captive in North Korea, as well as in understanding the anguish of their families, while also preserving their enduring right to be remembered.

The symbol was incorporated into the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms badge, which was worn by the both President and all the ministers during the Cabinet Meeting on March 24, emphasizing their commitment to resolving the issue concerning the abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated POWs. The international solidarity surrounding the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms is expanding, as evidenced by prominent figures wearing the badge: members of the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea (North Korea APPG); Francisco Manuel Paolotron, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations and Religion of the Senate of the Republic of Argentina; Joel Antonio Hernández García, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mexico; and Carsten Schneider, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor and Federal Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany.

The Ministry of Unification has displayed artist Nanan Kang’s Garden of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms at the Seoul International Garden Show 2024, running from May 16 to October 8. This artwork is expected to raise public awareness and encourage participation in addressing the abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated POWs issue.

On May 24, the Minister of Unification will visit the site at which high school students were abducted from over 40 years ago. This will mark the first time a government minister visits this location. During the visit, the Minister will unveil a monument dedicated to the return of the abducted high school students, offer comfort to their families, and reiterate the call for their immediate repatriation.

The Ministry of Unification plans to establish monuments at both Seonyudo Beach and Hongdo Beach, where the abductions took place. These monuments aim to remind visitors of the pain endured by the abducted students and their families, urging them to join the efforts to bring the victims back home.

The monuments bear the message, “The Republic of Korea will never forget you,” representing the government’s strong resolve. They also call on the public to support the swift return of the high school students to their homeland.

The Ministry of Unification will host ceremonies to unveil the Monuments for Safe Return of Teenage Abductees. The first ceremony will take place at Seonyudo Beach on May 24 at 11:30 AM, followed by a second ceremony at Hongdo Beach on May 27 at the same time.

The Seonyudo Beach event on May 24 will be attended by Kim Yung-ho, Minister of Unification; Julie Turner, US Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues; Lee Shin-wha, Republic of Korea’s ambassador for international cooperation on North Korean human rights; Choi Sung-ryong, representative of the Family Assembly of those Abducted to North Korea; and other family members of abduction victims.

The second unveiling ceremony at Hongdo Beach on May 27 will be presided over by Unification Vice Minister Moon Seoung-hyun, with the attendance of Mr. Choi Sung-ryong and families of students who were abducted from Hongdo Beach.

The Ministry of Unification acknowledges the resolution of the issue as a vital duty in protecting our nationals. We are committed to working hand in hand with our citizens and collaborating with the international community to ensure the swift return of these individuals to the embrace of their families through our utmost efforts.

As we acknowledge the 10th year of missionaries Kim Kook kie and Choi Chun gil’s detention, we pledge to redouble our efforts. We are steadfast in our commitment to collaborate closely with our citizens and the international community, striving tirelessly to resolve the issue concerning abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war.

* Unofficial translation