Sorok Island: President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung visited a hospital dedicated to people with leprosy on Sorok Island, providing comfort and support to the patients, the presidential office announced. The visit marked Lee's first trip to the facility since taking office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee expressed his commitment to combating social discrimination against individuals with leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung highlighted Lee's pledge to enhance efforts in addressing these societal issues.
During their visit, Lee acknowledged the hard work and dedication of medical staff and religious volunteers who have tirelessly served this marginalized community. The trip was a fulfillment of a campaign promise made by Kim, wherein she vowed that Lee would return to Sorok Island if elected president.
The residents of Sorok Island shared their community's painful history with the visitors, recounting the establishment of the segregated leper colony under Japanese colonial rule in the early 1900s, which enforced forced isolation and prohibited childbirth.