Bringing the Aspirations Symbolized by the Three Forget-me-not
Blossoms to Life in Hangang Park, Preserved Forever in Nanan's
Artwork Contribution
- The Ministry of Unification participates in Seoul International
Garden Show 2024, revealing the artwork titled Garden of the Three
Forget-me-not Blossoms -
May 16, 2024
A trilateral summit convened at Camp David
in August last year, where the leaders of the Republic of Korea, the
United States, and Japan reaffirmed their collective commitment to
resolving the issues of those abducted, detained, and missing in
action. Subsequently, the Ministry of Unification established the
Abductees Response Team under direct ministerial oversight.
As part of these continued endeavors, the Ministry crafted the
symbolic Three Forget-me-not Blossoms to encourage nationwide
involvement in advocating for the repatriation of our citizens
kidnapped by and held captive in North Korea, as well as in
understanding the anguish of their families, while also preserving
their enduring right to be remembered.
The symbol was unveiled to the public during Seoul Fashion Week on
February 3, and during the Cabinet meeting on March 24, where both the
President and Cabinet members wore the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms
badges, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safe return of
all abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war to their
families and to the embrace of the Republic of Korea.
The international solidarity surrounding the Three Forget-me-not
Blossoms is expanding, as evidenced by prominent figures wearing the
badge: members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on North Korea
(North Korea APPG) in the UK Parliament; Francisco Manuel Paolotron,
Chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations and Religion of the Senate
of the Republic of Argentina; Joel Antonio Hernández García,
Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights and Carsten
Schneider, Minister of State to the Federal Chancellor and Federal
Government Commissioner for Eastern Germany.
The Ministry of Unification is taking part in the Seoul
International Garden Show (SIGS) 2024, orchestrated by the Seoul
Metropolitan Government. Our objective is to spotlight the symbolic
significance of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms and cultivate a
collective awareness towards the swift resolution of issues
surrounding abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war.
SIGS 2024 is slated to run at the Ttukseom Hangang Park from May 16
to October 8, showcasing the mesmerizing Garden of the Three
Forget-me-not Blossoms. This sculptural installation, inspired by the
poignant motif of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms, promises to
captivate visitors throughout the exhibition’s duration.
The Garden of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms is the brainchild of
artist Nanan Kang. Recognized as ROK’s foremost window painter, she is
renowned for her work with prestigious brands both domestically and
internationally and for a diverse portfolio of artistic endeavors.
This glass garden serves as a reinterpretation of the symbolic
flowers, echoing the aspirations and tribulations of abductees,
detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war, as well as their
families. Nanan Kang and curator Kim Ye-ji were deeply moved by the
plight of missionaries Kim Jung wook, Kim Kook kie, and Choi Chun gil,
held captive in North Korea over a decade. They were motivated by the
desire to raise awareness and rally support for their repatriation and
generously contributed their artistic skills to this meaningful project.
This installation promises to harmonize seamlessly with the verdant
surroundings of the exhibition venue, offering visitors an immersive
and thought-provoking experience. Those exploring Hangang Park will
have the opportunity to admire this piece at any hour. By day,
visitors can appreciate the artwork within the open greenhouse. After
nightfall, though the greenhouse is closed, the internally illuminated
ceiling sculpture will come to life, casting its glow and allowing
observers to enjoy the artwork against the scenic night view of the
Han River from outside the greenhouse.
Furthermore, a diverse array of civic engagement events, including
mini-concerts and letter recitations by families directly impacted by
abductions, will be held against the backdrop of the floral garden
throughout the exhibition period. These activities will foster
meaningful dialogue and reflection on the pressing issues surrounding
abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war.
The Ministry of Unification is set to unveil the Garden of the Three
Forget-me-not Blossoms on May 16 at 5:30 PM.
The event will see the presence of key figures including Kim Yung
Ho, the Minister of Unification; Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul; Lee
Shin-wha, the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador for International
Cooperation on North Korean Human Rights; Jamila Hammami, Head of
Mission from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Korea; representatives from the United Nations Human Rights Office of
the High Commissioner in Seoul; ambassadors from the EU and the
Netherlands; officials from the embassies of the Lao People's
Democratic Republic, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Kingdom
of Thailand, among others; and families of abductees, detainees, and
unrepatriated prisoners of war. Notably, the ceremony will feature a
guided tour of Nanan Kang’s artwork.
The Ministry of Unification acknowledges the resolution of issues
concerning abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war as
a vital duty in protecting our nationals. We are committed to working
hand in hand with our citizens and collaborating with the
international community to ensure the swift return of these
individuals to the embrace of their families through our utmost efforts.
* Unofficial translation
