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S. Korea's Lee Vows to Defend Democracy on 1960 Uprising Anniversary

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung commemorated the 66th anniversary of the 1960 April 19 pro-democracy uprising, stressing the enduring need to defend democratic principles. In his address, he drew a direct parallel between the people's resistance in 1960 and former President Yoon Suk Yeol's alleged martial law bid in 2024. Lee warned that anti-democratic forces exploit inequality and poverty to justify destroying freedom, emphasizing that politics must focus solely on people's livelihoods. He honored the sacrifice of those killed in the 1960 revolt, which ousted the authoritarian regime of first President Rhee Syng-man over election rigging.

Key Points: S. Korean President Marks 1960 Pro-Democracy Uprising

  • Marks 66th anniversary of April 19 Revolution
  • Vows to defend democratic values
  • Draws parallel to 2024 political crisis
  • Honors sacrifice of 1960 protesters
2 min read

South Korean President vows to defend democracy on anniversary of 1960 pro-democracy uprising

President Lee Jae Myung vows to safeguard democracy, drawing parallels between the 1960 April 19 Revolution and modern political challenges.

"Only then can we prevent anti-democratic forces from taking away our freedom again - President Lee Jae Myung"

Seoul, April 19

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung stressed the importance of defending democracy Sunday as he marked the anniversary of a 1960 pro-democracy civil uprising that led to the ouster of South Korea's first President Rhee Syng-man.

In an address on the 66th anniversary of the "April 19 Revolution," Lee likened people's resistance during the 1960 uprising to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid in 2024, saying the "loud cry" of the people helped topple an "arrogant and unjust 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 said at the April 19th National Cemetery in northern Seoul, which holds the remains of those killed in the uprising, reports Yonhap news agency.

Lee highlighted the need to safeguard democracy, saying, "Only then can we prevent anti-democratic forces from taking away our freedom again and trampling on the precious daily lives of our people."

"The military boots of dictatorship dig into the cracks of inequality and poverty and justify the destruction of democracy," Lee said. "This is why I keep emphasising, though it may seem stubborn at times, that the responsibility of politics lies solely in people's livelihoods and that the lives of the people are the very reason a state exists."

He then vowed to pass on to a brighter future the "democracy of freedom, equality, unity and solidarity" that is "etched deeply into the DNA of the Korean people."

Lee also offered his condolences to the families of the students and civilians killed in the uprising and promised to remember their sacrifice.

The April 19th civil revolt was touched off by public anger over vote rigging in the presidential election by the Rhee government in power at the time.

A series of nationwide student protests culminated on April 19, with hundreds of demonstrators killed or wounded in clashes with armed police.

The uprising ultimately forced Rhee to step down after 12 years in office.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The parallels drawn between 1960 and 2024 are striking. It shows how fragile democratic norms can be. The emphasis on people's livelihoods as the core of politics is a universal truth that all leaders, everywhere, should remember.
P
Priya S
A powerful reminder that the youth and students have often been at the forefront of defending democracy. The sacrifice of those students in 1960 should never be forgotten. It makes me think of our own student movements in India's history.
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Vikram M
While the sentiment is noble, one must be cautious. Sometimes such strong rhetoric from a sitting president against a political opponent can itself be divisive. Democracy is also about respectful disagreement and protecting the rights of all, not just one's own supporters.
R
Rohit P
"The military boots of dictatorship dig into the cracks of inequality and poverty" – what a powerful line. So true. When people struggle for basic needs, they become vulnerable to promises of strongmen. Economic justice is the bedrock of a stable democracy. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
It started with vote rigging. That's the lesson for every democracy, including ours. We must protect the integrity of our electoral process at all costs. The EVM and electoral reforms debate in India feels very relevant here.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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