President Lee Jae-myung laid a wreath at the Korean War memorial in Manila on Sunday during his state visit to the Philippines.
The president visited the memorial at Manila's "Heroes' Cemetery" in the morning, wearing a black suit and tie. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Bae Kyung-hoon, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, and National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac.
After laying the wreath, Lee observed a moment of silence before the memorial. He then greeted surviving veterans and their descendants individually, inviting them to "please visit Korea."
When meeting a wheelchair-bound veteran, the president knelt on one knee to make eye contact and held the veteran's hand firmly. He told his staff, "We host events inviting veterans to Korea. Invite these people if possible."
When one veteran told Lee that "my grandson graduated from Korea's Air Force Academy last week," the president responded, "Thank you." Another veteran showed wartime photographs and asked for Lee's signature. The president wrote, "Thank you for your dedication."
The Philippines was the first Asian nation and third-largest contributor globally to send troops during the Korean War, deploying 7,420 soldiers. Philippine forces fought in battles including the Yuldong Battle in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, with 112 soldiers killed in action.