The symbol of three forget-me-nots serves to emphasize the
issues of abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war
The Ministry of Unification unveils a symbol representing abductees,
detainees, and prisoners of war at the 2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week
(February 3)
On February 3, the Ministry of Unification showcased a collection
inspired by the symbol representing the issues of abductees,
detainees, and prisoners of war in collaboration with the clothing
brand ULKIN at the 2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week.
The 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 to not to be forgotten” for abductees, detainees,
and prisoners of war and aims to reinforce ongoing efforts for their repatriation.
The designer behind the runway show, Lee Seong-dong, is a
third-generation South Korean from a family which experienced
separation. 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.
Vice Minister Moon Seung-hyun, Ambassador for International
Cooperation on North Korean Human Rights Lee Shin-hwa, officials from
the Embassies in Korea, actor Jung Taewoo, and more graced the event
with their presence and delivered messages of support.
The Ministry of Unification is planning to officially register the
forget-me-nots symbol’s design as a copyrighted public work. The move
is intended to allow its free use in various forms and applications in
daily life and foster empathy across the public for abductees,
detainees, and prisoners of war and their families.
At the same time, the Ministry of Unification is conducting an
online campaign titled “Blossom the Forget-Me-Nots” aimed at inspiring
more people to express their support for the resolution of the issues
of abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war, starting February 3.
*www.abductees.co.kr
