For a deeper look at the significance of the
historic June Democracy movement that laid
the foundation for democracy in South Korea...
here's Lee Unshin.
June represents Korea's hope for democracy...
as it was in this month three decades ago...
that some 5 million brave men and women demanded
a "government of the people, by the people,
and for the people."
This movement was not the first protest against
dictatorship, but on June 10th, 1987,... when
the military regime of the time announced
-- on its own -- who would be the country's
next president,... citizens had had enough.
They took to the streets to protest the government
of then-leader Chun Doo Hwan, and to demand
direct presidential elections.
Despite struggles with the police that left
many wounded,... the June Democratic Movement
spread among workers, farmers and students
in more than 30 cities.
And on the 19th day of resistance, the regime
gave in, announcing plans to restore direct
elections.
As Korea marks 30 years since the movement,
the sacrifices that helped establish a "constitutional
democracy" are honored in ways that go beyond
memorial ceremonies.
"Through academic and cultural projects, we
make sure the spirit of the movement is carried
on by the generation responsible for the nation's
future.
Acknowledging past mistakes is what will prevent
them from happening again."
These efforts include open discussions by
scholars analyzing what the current government
can take away from the demonstrations... and
the collection and preservation of artifacts
and documents.
"The history of the June Democracy Movement,
captured in photos and journals, is displayed
here at the Seoul Metro Art Center.
But the spirit of the demonstration 30 years
ago is still very much alive today... as street
protests become the new normal... in the defense
of a democratic Korea."
The June struggle transcended the boundaries
of region and social class, and in that sense
became the blueprint for last year's nation-wide
candlelight vigils demanding the removal of
former President for corruption.
It's said that every struggle and victory
over corruption among the powerful... takes
Korea one step closer to true democracy.
"Ideal democracy is the concurrence of the
citizens.
Although Korea made notable achievements,
it's not yet reached the most ideal state.
But looking at the way the new administration
has risen, and the continued demands for a
righteous system,...
I'd say we're headed in the right direction."
Lee Unshin Arirang News.
