hankyoreh

A descendent offers flowers to commemorate victims of the Korean War (June 1950 to July 1953) at a joint memorial service held in community center of Dado district, Naju city, South Jeolla Province, Nov. 13. In front of her a tablet is inscribed with the names of approximately 300 victims. Just behind her are around 200 residents offering white chrysanthemums to commemorate those who were lost.

According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Korea’s investigative report, during the war, 176 citizens were killed by South Korean soldiers and police officials, while 104 citizens were killed by communists in this small villege.

It was difficult for residents to hold the joint memorial service, as the families of both the victims and the perpetrators were present. However, Hong Ki-chuk, the representative of The Association of Bereaved Families, said “We think that the victims would wish for their descendents to strengthen the community through forgiveness and cooperation.”

Photo by Kim Myung-jin/The Hankyoreh