President Moon Jae-in awarded posthumous medals to two Korean immigrants in Hawaii in recognition of their independence activities during Japan's colonial rule of Korea.

The president on Wednesday bestowed the Order of Merit for National Foundation on Kim No-di and Ahn Jung-song in a ceremony at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

The two late figures were recognized for their roles and dedication for Korea's independence while living in Hawaii during the colonial era. They raised funds to help the movement in Korea.

It marks the first time for a South Korean president to award such medals abroad. 

Just before the medal ceremony, Moon visited the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii where some 36-thousand war dead are laid to rest, including those who were killed in the Korean War.