President Lee Jae-myung reflected on the historical significance of the Jeju April 3 Incident, emphasizing that "we must ensure that citizens never again suffer and are sacrificed in the name of the state."
Lee wrote on his social media account Wednesday, "The Jeju April 3 Incident can be called the starting point of large-scale state violence in Korean history." He added, "After the long patience and efforts of the people of Jeju, the process of the state correcting its own wrongs is now gaining full momentum."
"Holding those responsible accountable to the very end is the most realistic and powerful way to deter state violence and prevent its recurrence," Lee said. "I will ensure that as long as those responsible are alive, they can never evade accountability for state violence." He further added, "If the state comes to lord over the people, I will make certain it pays the price without fail."
The president expressed his commitment to continuing efforts to abolish the statute of limitations for crimes of state violence. "Abolishing the statute of limitations for state violence is a promise made to the people, and I will fulfill it without fail at the earliest possible time," Lee stated.