Lee: "The Donghak Peasant Revolution Was the First Step Toward Democracy... I Will Build a Nation Where Everyone Prospers Together"

On May 11, President Lee Jae-myung marked the 132nd anniversary of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, describing it as "the great first step toward democracy" and pledging to build a nation where everyone prospers together.

President Lee delivered these remarks through a speech read by Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, at the "132nd Anniversary Commemoration of the Donghak Peasant Revolution" held at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul at 11 a.m. on this day.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Senior Secretary Meeting held at the Yeomin Building of the Blue House on May 7, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Lee emphasized, "The Donghak Peasant Revolution, which awakened us to the fact that the people are the foundation and true owners of the nation, was the great first step in Korea’s democracy. The spirit of the Donghak Peasant Revolution—resisting unjust power while dreaming of a world where everyone could live with dignity and prosperity—has become an undying beacon in our hearts."

He continued, "That spirit, which continued through the independence movement, the April 19 Revolution, the May 18 Democratization Movement, the Candlelight Revolution, and the Revolution of Light, has blossomed into the driving force that made today’s Republic of Korea a model democracy watched by the world. The government of popular sovereignty is also closely connected with the world of equality and prosperity dreamed of by the peasants in 1894."

President Lee also stated, "The government will do its utmost to create a warm community where the people, as the true owners of the nation, enjoy their rightful privileges and share the fruits of growth together. Without leaving any neighbors behind, we will ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity and build, together with you, a 'nation where all prosper,' a Republic of Korea where the people are the true owners and where we overcome disparities to achieve a more advanced and mature democracy."

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