President Lee: June 10 Democratic Uprising and Manse Movement Marked People's Sovereignty

by Jun sungmin Posted : June 10, 2026, 09:33Updated : June 10, 2026, 09:33
President Lee Jae-myung delivers remarks at a dinner meeting with expatriates at a hotel in Brussels, Belgium, on June 9, local time. Photo: Yonhap News
President Lee Jae-myung delivers remarks at a dinner meeting with expatriates at a hotel in Brussels, Belgium, on June 9, local time. [Photo: Yonhap News]

 
President Lee Jae-myung commemorated the 39th anniversary of the June 10 Democratic Uprising and the 100th anniversary of the June 10 Manse Movement, stating, "The strength that achieved our nation's independence and the power that has built and protected democracy all come from the people." He emphasized that the people's sovereignty government will continue to faithfully uphold the will of the true owners of South Korea and further develop democracy.
 
On June 10, President Lee posted a message on Facebook titled, "I will always prioritize the people, the true owners of South Korea."
 
He noted that the June 10 Democratic Uprising and the June 10 Manse Movement, separated by 61 years, may appear as different historical events, but they share a commonality in that they both clearly manifested the sovereignty of the people.
 
"The June 10 Manse Movement in 1926 was a unifying independence movement of our people that transcended ideology, religion, and generations," President Lee said. "Despite oppression and surveillance by Japanese colonial rule, our forebears took to the streets to shout for the independence of Korea and the dignity of our nation, igniting the flames of the independence movement across the country."
 
He added, "Sixty-one years later, the June 10 Democratic Uprising in 1987 was another moment when the people emerged as the subjects of history. Citizens united in a single voice demanding a constitutional amendment for direct presidential elections and the realization of democracy, which enabled South Korea to end military dictatorship and transition to democracy."
 
President Lee emphasized, "On December 3, 2024, our people once again demonstrated the meaning and value of sovereignty by protecting democracy with their bare hands."
 
He concluded, "Our constitution clearly declares that 'all power resides with the people.' I promise to improve the lives of our citizens, ensure their safety, and lead us toward a peaceful and prosperous future."



* This article has been translated by AI.