Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the critical need to defend democracy as he commemorated the anniversary of the 1960 pro-democracy civil uprising, which successfully led to the ousting of South Korea's first President, Rhee Syng-man.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during a speech marking the 66th anniversary of the "April 19 Revolution," Lee compared the people's resistance during the 1960 uprising to the martial law attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2024. He highlighted that the powerful demand for justice from the populace was instrumental in dismantling an authoritarian regime.
"It was the spirit of the April 19 revolt, which ended the ruthless dictatorship and was rooted in the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, that enabled South Korea to overcome the cold night of insurrection in December 2024," Lee articulated at the April 19th National Cemetery in northern Seoul, where those who perished in the uprising are interred.
Lee underscored the importance of protecting democratic principles, stating that only through such efforts can the nation prevent anti-democratic forces from eroding citizens' freedoms and disrupting their daily lives. He warned against the dangers of dictatorship, emphasizing that it exploits societal inequalities and undermines democratic foundations.
Reaffirming his commitment to democracy, Lee vowed to ensure a prosperous future defined by freedom, equality, unity, and solidarity-values that he asserted are deeply ingrained in the Korean identity. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the uprising and assured them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
The April 19th civil revolt was ignited by widespread public outrage over electoral fraud perpetrated by the Rhee administration. The movement culminated in mass student protests on April 19, resulting in significant casualties due to confrontations with armed police forces. The uprising ultimately compelled Rhee to resign after a 12-year tenure.