(Unofficial Translation)

Honorable Korean War veterans, relatives of fallen heroes, distinguished guests,

I am very overwhelmed with emotions as I can meet Korean War veterans and the families of fallen heroes in Australia in this meaningful year that marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War’s Battle of Gapyeong and 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. When the Korean War broke out 71 years ago and the Republic of Korea was in great peril, Australia was the second nation, following the United States, to decide to participate in the War. The country sent many troops from every branch of its military – the army, navy and air force.

As many as 17,000 Australian Korean War veterans put aside their dreams in the prime of their youth to defend freedom, peace and lives in the Republic of Korea. They pulled off splendid military feats in countless battles on land, at sea and in the air, including the Battle of Gapyeong – one of the greatest in history – and the Battle of Maryang-san that enabled United Nations forces to safeguard their supply lines. 

On the U.N. Forces Participation Day on July 27 this year, I awarded General Colin Nicholas Khan the Order of Civil Merit in the name of the Republic of Korea. I am very pleased to see him in person today.

Admiral Ian Crawford and the Royal Australian Navy managed to impregnably defend the waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula by convoying transport fleets and conducting maritime patrols.

General Norman Lee and the Royal Australian Air Force safeguarded Korea’s territorial airspace with their excellent air-to-ground attack capabilities.

Even after retiring from the military, Major Norman Goldspink has been working as a member of the Korean War Memorial Committee, passing on to posterity the profound friendship between our two countries.  

Corporal Colin Berryman remains dedicated to the welfare of veterans and the excavation of the remains of those missing in action.

As President of the Republic of Korea, I salute these five heroes and the approximately 17,000 Korean War veterans. I’d also like to express my profound sympathy and respect to the bereaved families who have cherished and honored the courage and dedication of these heroes.

The love for humanity and the dedication of the veterans who safeguarded the Republic of Korea’s liberty and peace will be remembered forever in the hearts of our people. Furthermore, it will remain the foundation for the eternal friendship between Australia and Korea.

Korean War veterans, bereaved families, 

Today, I visited the Australian War Memorial and the Australian National Korean War Memorial to honor the noble souls of heroes. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1961, our two countries have shared the values of democracy, human rights and the market economy and expanded exchanges and cooperation in a variety of areas, including politics, the economy, society and culture as well as national defense. Solidarity and cooperation are also steering us through the rough waves of COVID-19. Despite the difficulties wrought by the pandemic, bilateral trade is expected to reach an all-time high this year.

During the summit today, Prime Minister Morrison and I upgraded our countries’ bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Both countries will remember and honor the lives and spirit of the Korean War veterans and work together for peace and common prosperity in the region.

The veterans’ noble sacrifices and dedication are great legacies for both Australia and Korea. Caring for veterans knows no borders. The Republic of Korea will continue to honor overseas veterans as much as we can. In March last year, Korea enacted the Act on the Promotion of Honor for U.N. Korean War Veterans, laying the legal foundation to pay them continuous respect and elevate the honor bestowed. The Korean Government will put more effort into various international veterans’ welfare projects, for instance, by extending invitations to veterans or their relatives to visit Korea and holding local events to show appreciation. Through the Peace Camp and other exchange programs for future generations, we will further promote and honor the causes and spirit of the veterans.

Forty-two Australian Korean War veterans have yet to return to their homeland and their relatives. In 2019, our two countries signed an MOU for the excavation of remains and have worked together on joint surveys, excavations and identifications. Last year, over 20,000 Korean soldiers were mobilized to excavate the remains and belongings of the fallen soldiers still unaccounted for in the Demilitarized Zone. The Republic of Korea will do all it can to locate every last veteran and return them to their relatives and comrades.

Honorable Korean War veterans, bereaved relatives, distinguished guests, 

The Republic of Korea has risen from the ruins of war and become the first country in the world to leap from a developing to an advanced nation. I was told that this brought the veterans joy – as if it were their own achievement. 

I laid a wreath today at the Australian National Korean War Memorial. Engraved in Korean on its back wall is the word “Peace.” We will continue to take bold steps toward a peaceful Korean Peninsula. We will surely bring the Korean War veterans a sense of fulfillment and joy once more.

My deepest respect goes to the veterans and bereaved relatives. I wish all of you here with us good health and happiness. 

Thank you.