Unification Ministry holds an unveiling ceremony of a monument commemorating North Korean Defectors’ Day

The monument commemorating North Korean Defectors' Day symbolizes the aspiration and courage of North Korean defectors in their pursuit of freedom and hope for unification

Unification Ministry holds an unveiling ceremony of a monument commemorating North Korean Defectors' Day (August 1)

On August 1, the Ministry of Unification held an unveiling ceremony of a sculpture commemorating North Korean Defectors' Day at the Odusan Unification Tower in Paju.

The event was attended by Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho, Secretary General of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council Tae Yongho, former National Assembly member Ji Seongho, member of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea Lee HanByeol, and around sixty North Korean defectors. Including a ceremony to unveil a monument, the event featured wreath laying and silent tribute, a commemorative speech, a reading of a letter and poem by a North Korean defector, and an exhibition showcasing artworks by a North Korean defector artist titled "Stories Across the Border."

In his commemorative speech, Minister Kim said, "The sculpture installed here at the Odusan Unification Tower symbolizes the longing and courage of North Korean defectors in their pursuit of freedom, as well as hope for the future, while also commemorating those who sacrificed their lives during the escape process," emphasizing his commitment to spreading their "courage for freedom" to the world.

Subsequently, a reading of a letter by Han Bonghee, a North Korean defector and traditional Korean medicine doctor who had to part with his family during the defection process, and a recitation of a poem by North Korean poet Oh Eunjung followed.

Afterward, the attendees viewed the exhibition "Stories Across the Border," featuring artworks by a defector artist, held in the special exhibition hall on the first floor of the observatory.