33rd Anniversary of the June 10 Democratic Uprising... Gwanak-gu Installs 'Park Jong-cheol Bench'

On the 33rd Anniversary of the June 10 Democratic Uprising, 'Park Jong-cheol Bench' Installed in 'Park Jong-cheol Street'... Former Democracy Movement Hub 'Park Jong-cheol Street' Developed as a Key Village Tourism Area

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu District Office (Mayor Park Junhee) and the Park Jongcheol Democratic Martyr Memorial Association installed the ‘Park Jongcheol Bench’ and sculptures at ‘Park Jongcheol Street (7, Daehak 5-gil, Daehak-dong, Gwanak-gu)’ and unveiled them on the 10th.

The creation of the ‘Park Jongcheol Bench’ was carried out to commemorate the noble democratic spirit of martyr Park Jongcheol on the 33rd anniversary of the June 10 Democratic Uprising, funded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government budget and donations collected from Seoul National University alumni.

The ‘Park Jongcheol Bench’ features a sculpture modeled after the martyr’s appearance during his lifetime and is inscribed with a part of a prison letter that reads, “Although they physically restrained my body, they could never imprison my thoughts and beliefs.”

A representative from the Memorial Association, who participated in the bench’s production, explained the significance of the ‘Park Jongcheol Bench,’ saying, “We want to provide a comfortable place to rest here, where Park Jongcheol spent his most intense and happiest times.”

Park Jongcheol was illegally detained on January 14, 1987, at the Namyeong-dong Security Headquarters’ Public Security Division and died from water torture. His noble sacrifice became the catalyst for the June 10 Democratic Uprising, which led to the realization of democracy as it stands today.

In 2018, Gwanak-gu designated the area near the boarding house street in Daehak-dong, where Park Jongcheol lived before being taken to the Namyeong-dong Public Security Division, and the nearby Nokdu Street as ‘Park Jongcheol Street.’ The district has been promoting various commemorative projects to honor his noble democratic spirit, including commemorative murals, plaques, and operating a democracy-themed tourist course.

In particular, the district is currently constructing the ‘Park Jongcheol Center’ on the site of Dodeokso Park within Park Jongcheol Street, aiming for completion in 2021. This center will exhibit the martyr’s belongings and records and serve as a space for democracy education, becoming the focal point of the ‘Democracy Road Village Tourism Project.’

Mayor Park Junhee stated, “It is because of the sacrifices of Park Jongcheol and many other young people that we enjoy democracy today. Remembering history is something that those who survive must do. We will ensure that the various commemorative projects reflecting the noble spirit of Park Jongcheol’s sacrifice, along with the establishment of the Park Jongcheol Center, proceed without any setbacks.”

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