South Korean Room

FORGET ME NOT

Forget-Me-Not Flowers

Forget-me-not flowers are small, delicate blooms known for their bright blue petals, yellow centers, and occasional pink or white variations. Belonging to the genus Myosotis, these flowers are often associated with love, remembrance, and fidelity. The name "forget-me-not" is derived from the German "Vergissmeinnicht," reflecting a deep sense of memory and enduring affection.

Forget-me-not flowers symbolize the enduring hope, love, and remembrance for relatives separated by the Korean War. These small, delicate blue flowers represent the longing and commitment of family members who have been torn apart for decades, often without any contact or news of one another. The name "forget-me-not" poignantly captures the desire of those who remain determined never to forget their loved ones across the heavily fortified border, despite the immense political and physical barriers that keep them apart. Just as forget-me-nots thrive in difficult conditions, the spirit of these families persists, holding onto the hope that they may one day be reunited.
Ms. Park Hyang-soo



A third-generation Zainichi Korean, saw her uncle being displaced to North Korea. In 1967, her uncle, a high school senior, decided to board a repatriation ship to North Korea, influenced by false propaganda from his school, concerns over job prospects in Japan, and a desire to follow his girlfriend, who had moved there with her family. Despite his family's objections, he left, naively believing he could return if he found life in North Korea unbearable.

Upon arrival, he was sent to the city of Wonsan, where he lived with relative stability due to financial support from his family in Japan. However, a phone call in 1996 from a relative in Japan—intercepted by North Korean authorities—changed everything. The call, which casually mentioned the fall of Romania’s dictator and suggested North Korea might be next, was deemed treasonous. As a result, her uncle was arrested, tortured, and ultimately died in custody.

After his death, his wife and children were sent to the notorious Yodok prison camp, where they endured desperate conditions. For decades, there was no word about their fate. In 2017, Ms. Park learned from a North Korean escapee that her uncle's family had endured unimaginable suffering, a heartbreaking revelation that reflects the untold stories of many Zainichi Koreans, displaced and silenced by North Korea's repression.