Lee pledges to remedy damage caused by state violence

President Lee Jae Myung pledged on Friday to address the harm inflicted by state violence, which encompasses government actions against supporters of democracy and forced adoptions. The commitment was made during a lunch meeting with approximately 70 individuals who have not received justice for past state-sanctioned atrocities.

This pledge came during the inauguration of the third Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an entity established to examine human rights violations and systemic injustices perpetrated by the state. The president highlighted the tragic loss of life during the Korean War and the suppression of citizens advocating for democracy under previous authoritarian governments as stark reminders of these dark times.

"The past cannot be handed down to future generations," Lee asserted during the meeting, emphasizing the government's responsibility to rectify historical wrongs. The administration plans to establish a new division within the commission to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse at former state orphanages and homeless shelters, as well as forced adoptions to other countries.

Acknowledging the government's shortcomings, Lee expressed deep regret over the insufficient response to victims' urgent appeals, offering a formal apology. He also reiterated that no statute of limitations will apply to cases of state violence, underscoring the administration's determination to prevent further instances of state-sanctioned violence and to prevent the creation of new victims.