President Lee Jae-myung stated on May 11 that the Donghak Peasant Revolution, which awakened the people to their role as the foundation and masters of the nation, was a significant first step for democracy in South Korea.
Speaking at the 132nd anniversary ceremony of the Donghak Peasant Revolution held at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, President Lee, through a speech read by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young, remarked, "The spirit of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, which resisted unjust power while dreaming of a world where everyone lives well, has become an unquenchable light in our hearts."
He reflected, "The spirit that has continued through the independence movement, the April 19 Revolution, the May 18 Democratization Movement, and the 'Candlelight Revolution' and 'Light Revolution' is the source that has blossomed South Korea into a model democratic nation that the world pays attention to today."
President Lee emphasized that the value of a government based on popular sovereignty is closely aligned with the ideal of a community where citizens share the fruits of growth and enjoy their rightful rights, as envisioned by the farmers in 1894. He pledged, "The government will do its utmost to create a warm community where the people are the true masters of the nation and can enjoy their legitimate rights and share the fruits of growth together."
He expressed deep respect for the courage, loud cries, and noble sacrifices of those who participated in the Donghak Peasant Revolution, which planted the seeds of precious democracy in this land.
President Lee added, "Together with the people, I will work to build a nation where no neighbor is left behind, where everyone enjoys fair opportunities, and where we achieve a more developed and mature democracy in a country that belongs to its citizens."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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