On the 15th, marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, President Lee Jae-myung said, "We must no longer tolerate acts that deny the history of the independence struggle and insult freedom fighters."
On this day, President Lee delivered a congratulatory address at the 80th anniversary celebration of Liberation Day held at the Sejong Center in Seoul.
President Lee stated, "As the saying goes, 'when drinking water, remember its source,' honoring the sacrifices and dedication of the ancestors who forged today's Korea is a duty we must fulfill as we enjoy freedom and abundance."
He continued, "Honoring the proud history of anti-Japanese struggle and safeguarding the honor of independence patriots is a way to protect our community's past, present, and future."
President Lee remarked, "If we turn our backs on those who sacrificed for everyone, when another crisis comes, who will step forward for the community?" He added, "The more respect and gratitude we show for those who made special sacrifices for the community, the stronger our community will become."
He also said, "Our government will properly document the history of the independence struggle and remember it together with the people."
He further stated, "We will give special respect to the surviving independence activists, and we will expand the scope of compensation for the families of independence patriots. We will promote the repatriation of the remains of overseas independence patriots more actively and find those independence patriots who have not yet received medals of honor, ensuring that everyone receives the proper respect they deserve."