Proposal for Enactment of the '3·15 Uprising Special Act'... Opening the Way for Restoration of Honor and Compensation?

People Power Party's Choi Hyung-doo, "Thorough Investigation of Involved Parties Must Be Conducted"

The '3·15 Uprising Monument' located in Seoseong-dong, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon City. (Photo by Asia Economy)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Choi Hyun-joo] The historical reevaluation, restoration of honor, and compensation related to the '3·15 Uprising,' which is regarded as the first democratization movement after the establishment of the Republic of Korea government, are expected to be actively carried out.

On the 28th, Choi Hyung-doo, a member of the People Power Party (Changwon Masanhappo), announced that he had proposed the enactment of the "Act on the Restoration of Honor and Compensation for Persons Related to the 3·15 Uprising."

The 3·15 Uprising was a historic event that occurred in Masan City (now Changwon City) in opposition to the fraudulent election by the dictatorship regime at the time.

It was the beginning of South Korea's democratization movement, where citizens and students voluntarily resisted injustice. However, even though it was designated as a national memorial day in 2010 and ten years have passed, it has not received proper recognition compared to the April 19 Revolution and the May 18 Democratization Movement.

Regarding the enactment of the bill, Representative Choi emphasized the need to solemnly honor the sacrifices of citizens and students who lost their lives during the 3·15 Uprising. He also stated that the political circles share this intention.

In fact, the enactment of the "Act on the Restoration of Honor and Compensation for Persons Related to the 3·15 Uprising" saw joint participation from over 30 lawmakers across party lines, including the main proposer Representative Choi, People Power Party members Kang Ki-yoon, Seo Byung-soo, Yoon Young-seok, Yoon Han-hong, Lee Dal-gon, as well as Democratic Party members Kim Jung-ho, Jeon Hae-cheol, Seol Hoon, and independent lawmaker Kim Tae-ho.

Representative Choi said, "Sixty years have passed since the 3·15 Uprising occurred. Before it is too late, the related law must be enacted to reexamine the historical value of democracy, and clear fact-finding, restoration of honor, and compensation for related persons should be promptly carried out."