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