President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to take all possible steps to ensure that no innocent lives are lost to state violence again.

The president made that promise on Sunday, the 77th anniversary of the Yeosu-Suncheon incident, when about two-thousand soldiers in Yeosu refused to obey government orders to move to Jeju Island and crack down on leftist protests.

Recalling the events of October 19, 1948, Lee said the outcome was tragic, with numerous military personnel and civilians killed across South Jeolla, North Jeolla and South Gyeongsang provinces for resisting unlawful orders.

The president said the government will swiftly uncover the truth behind the tragedy and take steps in accordance with a special act enacted in 2021.

Expressing gratitude to all those who made the special law possible — bereaved families, lawmakers and activists — Lee said atoning for history and restoring justice are essential even if they take time.