In honor of Liberation Day on Sunday, 25 foreign citizens who are the descendants of patriots that fought for Korean independence have been granted South Korean citizenship.

The Justice Ministry said Thursday that certificates of nationality were bestowed to 17 Chinese, five Russian, two Kazakh and one Cuban national. Among them are the great-grandchildren of freedom fighters Lee Myeong-sun and Sim Yong-joon.

In the ceremony, Justice Minister Park Beom-kye said the country must never forget that its existence is owed to the nameless activists who dedicated their lives for national independence.

He said encouragement and support from the Korean public is necessary so their descendants can settle in Korea and lead happy lives.