Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said on the 21st, "We must create a cultural monument that truly serves as a unifying platform to gather the hearts of the people and is not merely a one-time event for the 80th anniversary of liberation."
Prime Minister Kim noted that during the first meeting of the 80th anniversary of liberation preparation committee held at the Kim Gu Memorial Hall in Yongsan, Seoul, "It is now time to build a new society and begin true integration."
Kim emphasized, "Democracy and the economy have regressed over the past three years. The state of emergency on December 3 last year was the worst peak," adding, "The glorification of the Japanese colonial period and the denigration of independence activists have shaken our history and also disrupted national unity."
He continued, "I believe the foundation of true integration is a correct historical perspective and the right values," stating, "This is the reason and mission behind holding our first meeting here, where the spirit of Kim Gu resides."
Prime Minister Kim remarked, "Today's gathering is a place where we breathe life into each event on behalf of the people and maintain the overall pulse," and added, "I will endeavor to incorporate the precious words and opinions of each Commissioner so that they are reflected in the commemorative project."