05/23/2025 | News release | Archived content
Pond of Three Forget-me-not Blossoms bloom again at Boramae Park
Unification Ministry holds an opening ceremony of the "Pond of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms" at the Seoul International Garden Show 2025 (May 23)
On May 23, the Ministry of Unification held the opening ceremony for the "Pond of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms" at Boramae Park, the venue of the Seoul International Garden Show 2025.
Following the success of last year's "Garden of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms," created in collaboration with the Republic of Korea's foremost window painter, Nanan Kang, the Unification Ministry has unveiled a new installation space-the "Pond of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms." The space is dedicated to remembering abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war, as well as supporting their families.
*Window painter: An artist who creates illustrations and lettering on transparent surfaces such as glass, acrylic panels, and film.
"The Pond of the Three Forget-me-not Blossoms" conveys different meanings by day and by night. In the daylight, it represents the "fragrance of hope radiating from fully bloomed gentle blue forget-me-nots under the sunlight." In the night, with the help of special lighting, it symbolizes the "bright light of a long-awaited letter finally arriving with the news we have yearned for."
Nanan stated, "I hope this small pond offers quiet consolation and becomes a starlight that continues to shine in the darkness for the families of abductees who have endured unfathomable sorrow and longing over the years."
Minister of Unification Kim Yung Ho, Deputy Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan Government Kim Byungmin, and Representative of UN Human Rights Office in Seoul James Heenan attended the opening ceremony and delivered congratulatory messages.
Following the ceremony, Nanan explained the meaning behind the work, followed by a celebratory performance by soprano Kim Eunkyung.
In his welcoming remarks, Minister Kim stated, "I hope that all who visit this pond will reflect on the beautifully blooming forget-me-nots, remember the abductees, and empathize with their ongoing pain." He urged, "As a member of the international community, North Korea must officially apologize for the enforced disappearances and criminal acts, which are violations of human rights, and take responsible actions, including confirming the life or death status of the abductees and allowing their repatriation."