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The third North Korean Defectors' Day ceremony is held at KINTEX in Ilsan on July 14. / Photo courtesy of Ministry of Unification

President Lee Jae-myung stated on July 14, marking the third North Korean Defectors' Day, "We will unwaveringly walk the path toward mutual prosperity for both South and North Korea." Designated as a national memorial day to embrace defectors, improve their rights, and promote integration between South and North Korean residents, North Korean Defectors' Day marked its third anniversary since its establishment in 2024.

President Lee made the remarks in a congratulatory address, read by Lim Heung-soon, Second Vice Minister of the National Security Office, at the ceremony held at KINTEX in Ilsan, stating, "We will do our utmost to establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and open a future of coexistence and cooperation beyond conflict and confrontation."

"Your experiences of understanding and trusting one another within this new community will serve as the foundation for social integration," President Lee emphasized. "This will also be a precious asset in preparing for a future where South and North Korea live together."

President Lee also offered words of comfort to defectors who have faced hardships while escaping North Korea and settling in the South. "Adapting to an unfamiliar society and starting life anew must have been no easy feat," President Lee said. "I am proud of every one of you for taking root as a member of our society through that entire journey."

"The government will look after you more carefully so that you do not have to carry the weight of life all by yourself," he stressed. "I promise that the central government, local governments, and the private sector will join forces to create an environment where you can fully unleash your capabilities."

Under the theme "Embracing Hometown, Connecting Peace," the ceremony presented government awards to seven meritorious individuals who contributed to settlement support and social integration for defectors.

Park Ji-eun, president of the Gwangmyeong 365 Regional Volunteer Association, was awarded the Dongbaek Medal of the Order of Civil Merit in recognition of her contributions to spreading a culture of integration and volunteerism. Following her successful self-reliance, she spent over two decades donating her craft talents and founding and operating the volunteer association. Cho Jae-hee, head of the Daegu Hana Center, received the Civil Merit Medal for his highly evaluated contributions to the social integration of defectors.

Do Re-mi, vice principal of Banseok School, and Park Eun-sook, CEO of Haeoreum Food, were honored with Presidential Commendations for their work in defector education and promoting mutual growth and job creation, respectively. Kim Sung-mo, head of the Social Adaptation Department at the Korea Hana Foundation, Baek Choon-sook, president of the Yeowon Volunteer Association, and the Yuhan Foundation received Prime Minister's Commendations for their contributions to defector support and volunteer work.

                                                                                                            Mok Yong-jae