On the 14th, a day before the 80th anniversary of Liberation, President Lee Jae-myung invited more than 80 descendants of independence patriots to the Presidential Office for a luncheon, stating, "We will enhance respect and strengthen support for sacrifices made for the nation."
The luncheon was held at the first floor of the State Guesthouse at 11:30 a.m. on that day. The event was attended by over 80 descendants of independence patriots, including actor Song Il-guk, a descendant of General Kim Jwa-jin, as well as politicians such as Park Chan-dae, the grandson of independence activist Lee Sang-ryong, and former lawmaker Yoon Joo-kyung, the granddaughter of independence activist Yoon Bong-gil. From the government and institutions, Minister Kwon Oh-eul of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and Lee Jong-chan, chairman of the Korea Liberation Association, attended, while the Presidential Office was represented by National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak and Deputy Director Kim Hyun-jong. The event was hosted by Kim Kyung-a, a YTN announcer and granddaughter of an independence patriot.
As President Lee and his wife entered, attendees welcomed them with applause. First Lady Kim Hye-kyung was dressed in a light beige hanbok with a subtle sheen. Following the national ceremony, the singing of the national anthem, and a moment of silence for the patriots and fallen heroes, President Lee took to the podium.
President Lee said, "On a day like today, it is not me but you who should receive applause," sending applause to the attendees.
He continued, "On behalf of the people, I pay my respects to the noble sacrifices of our ancestors who dedicated their lives to the independence of our homeland," adding, "It is our great responsibility today to uphold the honor of independence patriots and to live in freedom and prosperity."
In particular, mentioning the remains of Moon Yang-mok, Lim Chang-mo, Kim Jae-eun, Kim Deok-yoon, Kim Gi-joo, and Han Eung-kyu, who were returned from overseas and buried at the National Cemetery the day before, he expressed, "Their descendants are gathered here today. Although it is late, I wish for them to rest peacefully in the homeland they so longed for."
To the veterans' families who have practiced patriotism in various fields such as the economy, academia, law, and the military, he encouraged, "Each of you embodies the proud image of creating a better Korea that our ancestors dreamed of. Even at this moment, you are working hard for Korea's independence."
President Lee stated, "The saying that three generations will suffer for the independence movement will no longer be prevalent," adding, "Sacrifices made for the nation will be met with high respect and robust support." He also mentioned plans to expand living support for surviving patriots and projects to promote the history of the independence movement.
After the luncheon, a choir composed of descendants of independence patriots performed, followed by a collaboration featuring pianist Yang Bang-eon, a second-generation Korean resident in Japan, and Tak Bong-nui, the grandson of independence activist Tak Young-rae.