Jeju island: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated Friday that the government is committed to uncovering the truth behind the 1948 Jeju massacre and restoring the honor of its victims. Kim's remarks were made during a commemorative ceremony held at Jeju 4.3 Peace Park, marking the anniversary of the April 3 crackdown on an uprising against U.S. military-led governance, which followed Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the government's dedication to thoroughly investigating the events of April 3rd and to restoring dignity to the victims and their families. He highlighted the importance of confronting the historical truth of the massacre, which he described as a critical mission for the current generation.

The 1948 uprising was initially labeled a communist riot, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 14,000-30,000 civilians, accounting for up to 10 percent of Jeju Island's population at that time. The crackdown began in 1947 and persisted for more than seven years.

Prime Minister Kim referenced the illegal martial law imposed during the tragedy, drawing a parallel with the brief martial law enacted by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2024. He also mentioned President Lee Jae Myung's recent visit to Jeju, where he pledged to advocate for legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for cases involving state violence.

In his speech, Kim reiterated the commitment to honoring the history of April 3rd, with the goal of fostering democracy based on the values of peace and human rights.