The Essence of Three Forget-Me-Nots
Imbues a Sense of Longing, Painting the Canvas of ｢2024 F/W Seoul
Fashion Week｣
- The Ministry of Unification unveils a symbol representing
abductees, detainees, and South Korean prisoners of the Korean War -
- As the grand finale motif, the K-fashion brand ULKIN will
present the forget-me-nots symbol on the runway -
February 1, 2024
During the Camp David summit on August 18 of last year, South Korea,
the United States, and Japan reaffirmed their shared commitment to
addressing the issue of abductees, detainees, and South Korean
prisoners of the Korean War. Following this, the Ministry of
Unification established the ｢Abductees Response Team｣, directly
overseen by the Minister of Unification. Since then, the Ministry has
been actively engaging in various initiatives to address and resolve
the issue.
One noteworthy effort has been the promotion of a symbol intended to
serve as a lasting reminder of South Koreans detained in North Korea.
This initiative aims to encourage all South Koreans to actively
participate in advocating for the repatriation of those detained and
to foster a deeper understanding of the pain experienced by the
families affected.
The intricately designed symbol of three forget-me-nots conveys a
message drawn from the language of the flowers: “Don't forget me.” The
symbol serves to emphasize the “right not to be forgotten” for
abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war and aims to reinforce
ongoing efforts for their repatriation.
The three forget-me-nots symbolize abductees, detainees, and
prisoners of war respectively. Their blue flowers, golden stamens, and
silver borders convey a heartfelt wish and hope for their safe return
amidst challenges and adversity.
｢2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week｣, scheduled from February 1 to 5, will
showcase 21 prominent K-fashion designers. Among them, ULKIN will
present its runway show on February 3 at 6 P.M., marking the first
public showcase of its clothing pieces inspired by the forget-me-nots
symbol. The collection, serving as the show's finale, integrates the
symbol into various clothing pieces.
The designer behind ULKIN's runway show is a third-generation South
Korean from a family which experienced separation during the Korean
War with his grandfather being born in North Korea. Motivated by the
desire for the swift repatriation and reunion of abductees, detainees,
and prisoners of war with their families, the designer crafted pieces
that reflect this hope.
The entire runway show will span 30 minutes, culminating in a finale
segment featuring outfits adorned with the forget-me-nots symbol.
The event will be graced by the presence of the Vice Minister of
Unification Moon Seung-hyun, Ambassador for International Cooperation
on North Korean Human Rights Lee Shin-wha, the chairpersons of the
｢Abductees’ Family Union｣ and the ｢Korean War Abductees Family Union｣,
families of detainees and prisoners or war, ambassadors from the EU,
Italy, the Czech Republic, and Cambodia, and officials from the
Embassies of Japan, Sweden, Indonesia, and Romania. Noteworthy
attendees also include actor Jung Taewoo and his wife.
The Ministry of Unification aims to introduce a symbol representing
abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war to the public through this
runway show. This initiative seeks to foster empathy across
generations by leveraging the influence of youth culture and trends.
Additionally, the forget-me-nots symbol’s design will be officially
registered as a copyrighted public work. This move is intended to
allow its free use in various forms and applications in daily life,
extending beyond clothing to household products.
The goal is to make the symbol easily accessible for everyone,
encouraging widespread adoption and sharing. The hope is that by
facilitating broad usage and sharing, the meaning embodied in the
symbol will resonate with a diverse audience.
Recognizing the universal human sentiment of longing for family, the
incorporation of the forget-me-nots symbol into daily life is expected
to evoke empathy and support for abductees, detainees, and prisoners
of war along with their families, fostering advocacy for their repatriation.
At the same time, the Ministry of Unification plans to initiate an
online campaign titled "Blossom the Forget-Me-Nots" aimed at
inspiring more people to express their support starting with the
February 3 runway show.
Kim Hee-soon, the wife of Missionary Kim Kook-kie who has been
detained by North Korea since October, 2014, has been diligently
composing letters and offering daily prayers for the safe return of
her husband.
The Ministry of Unification plans to launch a mobile campaign,
designed to enhance public understanding of the issues surrounding
abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war. The objective is to
facilitate widespread support for their aspirations.
The Ministry invites your interest and active participation in
remembering our compatriots who are yet to return from North Korea,
conveying to them that our support is unwavering.
