Minju: "A Nation True to Itself with the Spirit of April 19"... Tonghap: "We Will Defend Liberal Democracy"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 19th, marking the 60th anniversary of the April 19 Revolution, both ruling and opposition parties pledged to protect democracy.

Kang Hoon-sik, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated in a commentary that day, "The Democratic Party and the Moon Jae-in administration will fully inherit the spirit of April 19 from 60 years ago and strive to create a more democratized country, a more just country, and a country worthy of its name."

Chief Spokesperson Kang said, "The spirit of the April 19 Revolution continued through the Bu-Ma Uprising, the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, the June Struggle, and the Candlelight Revolution," adding, "At every critical point in history when democracy was in crisis, the spirit of resistance grew stronger and became a touchstone for building a new Republic of Korea, a country worthy of its name."

He continued, "In particular, the 21st National Assembly election was the first election in which 18-year-old youths exercised their voting rights," adding, "Given that the April 19 Revolution began with students' resistance and protests against illegal constitutional amendments and rigged elections, it holds even deeper historical significance."

Kim Seong-won, spokesperson for the United Future Party, also expressed on the same day, "We pay deep respect to the noble sacrifices of the predecessors who took to the streets 60 years ago to resist the tyranny of power and protect democracy," emphasizing, "Because of them, the Republic of Korea exists."

Spokesperson Kim said, "The preamble of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea stipulates that it inherits the April 19 democratic ideals that resisted injustice. We will start by reflecting on ourselves," adding, "We will become the vanguard in protecting democracy."

He further stated, "We will not tolerate any attempts to deceive the people by abusing power, undermine democracy, or shake the rule of law," pledging, "Once again, recalling the noble spirit of the April 19 Revolution, the United Future Party will advance to protect the free democratic nation, the Republic of Korea."

Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, also emphasized through Facebook that day, "The democracy of the Republic of Korea, born indebted to the lives of countless people, is a shared value that we must protect at any cost," adding, "The Justice Party will embark on the path of political reform to expand democracy with a renewed commitment."

Meanwhile, the 60th anniversary commemorative ceremony held at 10 a.m. at the National April 19 Democratic Cemetery in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul, was attended by ruling and opposition leaders including National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang, Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan, acting leader of the United Future Party Shim Jae-cheol, and Justice Party leader Sim Sang-jung.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.