Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung announced the government's intent to eliminate the statutes of limitations for criminal and civil cases related to state violence, as he paid tribute to the victims of the 1948 civilian massacre on Jeju Island.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee reiterated the administration's legislative efforts to abolish these limitations during a town hall meeting on the southern resort island. This announcement came a day after he met with bereaved families of the massacre victims ahead of the upcoming commemorative anniversary.

The Jeju April 3 massacre was a severe government crackdown against residents opposing U.S. military-led rule after Korea emerged from Japan's colonial rule between 1910 and 1945. President Lee emphasized his longstanding commitment to this cause, stating, "I have attended the Jeju April 3 commemorations almost every year and made this promise each time, but I have yet to fulfill it. I will turn that promise into reality at the earliest possible date."

Previously, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) attempted to pass legislation to remove these limitations during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration when it served as the main opposition party. However, the bill was vetoed by then acting President Choi Sang-mok, following Yoon's impeachment over a failed martial law bid in 2024.

Lee highlighted that the bill had successfully passed the National Assembly under his leadership of the DP, but was ultimately blocked due to the veto. He expressed optimism about the bill's prospects now, given the DP's majority in the Assembly and his position as president.

"Those responsible must be held accountable until the end of their lives -- tracked down, investigated and punished like Nazi war criminals," Lee asserted. "Public officials should be made to feel a sense of fear toward history, the people and the state."

The violent crackdown, initially portrayed by authorities as a communist rebellion, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 14,000 to 30,000 civilians, which accounted for up to 10 percent of Jeju Island's population. The violence, which began in 1947, persisted for over seven years.