President Moon Jae-in (top row, fourth from left) and first lady Kim Jung-sook (top row, fourth from right) pose for a group photo during a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae on Aug. 14 with descendants of Korean independence fighters. (Cheong Wa Dae)
By Kim Min-Jeung
President Moon Jae-in held a special luncheon in Seoul on Aug. 14 with descendants of Korean independence fighters who live overseas, one day before Independence Day. He said that South Korea will join efforts with the North to find the remains of patriot Ahn Jung-geun who fought for Korea’s independence and assassinated Ito Hirobumi, one of the main politicians behind Japan’s annexation of Korea. President Moon said the joint project will be carried out next year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement and the establishment of the former provisional government in exile.
The theme of the luncheon was “The Republic of Korea Will Remember You,” and the president said that the spirit and power of the fight for independence is what made Korea what it is today. He added that the late Ahn Jung-geun’s spirit and steps toward freedom and peace continue to this day.
The president then said that we have not yet been able to carry out the late Ahn’s final wishes, where he wished to be returned to his home country once Korea was liberated from colonial rule. The president said that paying respect to those who dedicated their lives to the country’s independence is an appropriate duty and would be one of the best possible investments in the future.
Finally, President Moon addressed some 240 people gathered at the luncheon, saying, “Thanks to you all, we have made proud the history of this nation by fighting for independence and by bringing forth the establishment of the former provisional government in exile.”
He also said he will make a stronger Korea and repay the independence fighters’ deeds by joining the people as one.
jer2co@korea.kr
