Korea was under Japanese rule during the war and Koreans enlisted or were conscripted into the Japanese military.
Park, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of upholding peace and harmony.
The one-hour event at the Korean War Memorial Monument in Marpi was also attended by Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos, Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores, Press Secretary Angel Demapan and Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry Tenorio.
Inos said communities should never forget the struggles and sacrifices of their ancestors.
“This makes it all the more fitting that we come here to honor the sacrifices made by those who lived here decades ago, even before the war, and those who lost their lives during the Battle of Saipan in the summer of 1944,” he added.
Flores, in his brief message, said the Korean War Memorial Monument reminds “us to never to forget those who have sacrificed so that the future generations can continue to live in freedom and peace.”
He added, “The [annual memorial service] is a testament of your convictions and has undoubtedly brought our two cultures closely together in prayer and peace. As your pilgrimage comes to a close, may we continue to foster goodwill, peace and happiness throughout the island, Korea and throughout the world,” the mayor said.
Korean Community of Saipan president Jong Ho Lee and Lee U Sam of the DaeQu University also delivered memorial messages before the incense burning and flower offering ceremony.
Yung Taek Lee, president of Memorial Service Association for Deceased Compatriots, led the memorial service.
