On Thursday, lawmakers from both parties united in declaring that it will not forget the sacrifices of the 46 heroes of the Cheonan.
However, while the People Power Party emphasized that the sinking of the Cheonan was the work of North Korea, the Democratic Party of Korea refrained from such comments, stating that there are no partisan divisions when it comes to honoring veterans.
Kang Jun-hyun, senior spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a written briefing that the Lee Jae Myung administration and the Democratic Party remember the noble sacrifices made to defend the Republic of Korea. It will do the utmost to ensure there is no lapse in compensation and respect for these heroes.
Kang noted that Deputy Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee attended today’s memorial ceremony as a government representative. This marks the first time a deputy minister from the Defense Ministry has participated in a naval-led memorial since the establishment of West Sea Defense Day in 2016, reflecting the Lee Jae Myung administration’s commitment to honoring those who dedicate themselves to the nation.
He emphasized that it is the nation’s solemn duty to honor and compensate for the sacrifices made to protect the citizens’ lives and safety, and to uphold the values of the Republic of Korea. It is also the historical mission to create a peaceful Korean Peninsula to prevent any further sacrifices from war and conflict.
Cho Yong-sul, spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated that the sacrifices of those who defended the country with unwavering dedication are a part of history that the Republic of Korea must never forget. It expresses the deepest condolences to the families of the fallen and the surviving soldiers.
Cho further criticized that it is deeply troubling that individuals who have blatantly ignored or distorted clear historical facts still claim to represent the people. Those who deny North Korean involvement, dismiss the sinking of the Cheonan as a conspiracy theory, and make derogatory remarks towards the victims reveal their own unworthiness to hold public office.
He concluded by stressing that politics that fail to respect those who sacrificed their lives for the nation and rely on biased claims rather than truth cannot gain the trust of the Korean people. There is no future in politics that denies history.
