Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday met with family members of democracy activists and vowed to work toward building a more democratic country where people are protected from human rights violations. Lee made the remarks at a luncheon for an association of family members of those who were jailed or tortured while staging pro-democracy movements in the 1970s and 80s, as the group marks the 40th founding anniversary next month.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee highlighted the severe human rights violations that occurred under a long period of dictatorship, acknowledging the suffering of those detained, killed, or injured. He praised the mothers who were at the forefront of these painful struggles and credited their efforts for South Korea's evolution into a democratic nation respected globally.

Lee emphasized that many citizens became victims due to "a small number of wrong-minded individuals and groups with selfish desires." He pledged to create a "free, transparent, fair and just" society where human rights are fully protected, viewing this as a fundamental aspect of national development. He noted that democracy, though it might sound abstract, is indeed the most realistic and essential value in daily life.

The president also expressed a commitment to remembering the difficult journeys of the mothers who led the democracy movement. He conveyed a sense of personal responsibility, stating, "I have met many of you on the streets, and I have always felt indebted and deeply sorry. I will not forget that. I will do my utmost so you can live with dignity and pride." He expressed hope that no families would have to suffer again from unjust power or be compelled to fight for justice in the streets.