12.3 Martial Law, Crisis of Democracy... Overcome with Patriotic Spirit

Jeollanam-do Holds 106th March 1st Independence Movement Anniversary Ceremony
Governor Kim Youngrok: "Honam Was at the Heart of the March 1st Movement"
Restoring Shaken Democracy Together with the People

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is leading the three cheers of "Manse" with attendees at the 106th March 1st Movement Anniversary Ceremony held at the Kim Daejung Auditorium in Jeonnam Provincial Office on the 1st. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do held the 106th anniversary ceremony of the March 1st Independence Movement at the Kim Daejung Auditorium in the provincial government building on the 1st, under the theme "Long Live Korean Independence, Long Live the People of Korea."

Approximately 900 people attended the ceremony, including Governor Kim Youngrok of Jeollanam-do, descendants of independence activists, members of the Liberation Association, and heads of organizations and institutions, honoring the noble spirit of those who dedicated themselves to the nation.

The event proceeded with a report on the progress of the March 1st Movement, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, commendations for meritorious individuals, commemorative speeches, a special performance, singing of the March 1st anthem, and a threefold cheer of "Manse."

The reading of the March 1st Declaration of Independence, "Easy and Correct Reading of the March 1st Declaration of Independence," presented by descendants of independence activists both on video and on stage, added vibrancy to the ceremony. In addition, a commemorative performance themed "Stepping from the Past to the Future, Long Live the New People of Korea" deeply moved the attendees.

During the commendation ceremony, the Presidential Citation was awarded posthumously to independence activists Park Jaewoo, Yang Yangsun, and Lee Myeongbeom for their dedication to Korea's independence.

The Governor's Citation was presented to Jang Geumbae, Seo Deokjin, and Hwang Intae, members of the Liberation Association, for their contributions in discovering unrecognized independence activists and regional development.

In his commemorative address, Governor Kim stated, "At the heart of the great historical turning point of the March 1st Independence Movement were the people of Honam. Together with the citizens, we will wisely overcome this era of crisis and division and take the lead in building a greater Jeollanam-do and a new Republic of Korea."

He continued, "With the illegal December 3rd martial law, justice and democracy in Korea are under threat. Amid extreme political confrontation, forces sympathetic to insurrection and their followers are threatening constitutional order and shaking the foundation of the nation. As our ancestors did, we must stand against injustice and restore shaken justice and democracy."

He especially emphasized, "With the indomitable will and bold courage of our citizens, let us restore democracy, create a more just and prosperous society for all, and together write a new, greater history for the Republic of Korea."

At the Yun Seondo Hall (1st floor lobby) of the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government, where the ceremony was held, a photo exhibition of the Provisional Government of Korea and a photo zone were set up, providing attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of the March 1st Movement.

Meanwhile, Jeollanam-do was the first metropolitan local government to launch a project to discover unrecognized independence activists, submitting applications for state honors for 1,023 individuals to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs last April. Notably, the province secured the establishment of the National Jangheung Memorial Park, a long-cherished wish of local patriots. Until its completion in 2029, a temporary enshrinement facility will be set up at the Namdo Metropolitan Memorial Park in Haenam to provide convenience for the patriots and their families.

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