4·19 Revolution Catalyst, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Changwon Office Opens to Investigate the '3·15 Uprising' Facts

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the Investigation of the Masan March 15 Uprising opened its Gyeongnam Changwon office on the 21st at the Odong-dong Civil Service Center in Masanhappo-gu, Changwon City.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Gyeongnam Changwon Office for the investigation of the Masan March 15th Movement opened its doors on the 21st at the Odong-dong Civil Service Center in Masanhappo-gu, Changwon City.

The March 15th Movement was a civic movement that took place in Masan in protest against the fraudulent March 15th election under the Syngman Rhee government in 1960. The body of martyr Kim Ju-yeol, who participated in the protest, was found floating at the Masan pier on April 11, 28 days after his disappearance, with a tear gas canister lodged in his eye. Enraged, the citizens of Masan held a second protest, which became the catalyst for the April 19th Revolution that led to President Syngman Rhee's resignation.

However, the March 15th Movement had long been overshadowed by the April 19th Revolution and had not received proper legal evaluation. With the enactment of the "Act on the Restoration of Honor of Participants in the March 15th Movement (March 15th Movement Special Act)" last year, it has been re-evaluated, opening the way for the restoration of participants' honor.

The investigation work is jointly conducted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and Changwon City under the "Enforcement Decree of the March 15th Movement Special Act," which was approved at the Cabinet meeting on the 18th.

The Changwon Office, which will serve as the base for investigation activities, consists of a total of 12 members across 3 departments, with this year's budget totaling 354 million KRW.

Participants of the March 15th Movement who wish to request an investigation can apply to the Changwon Office by December 9. The office will review the submitted applications and decide whether to commence an investigation or dismiss the case. Those whose applications are dismissed may supplement the reasons for dismissal and reapply.

Mayor Heo Seong-moo said, "I thank the leaders of democratization movement organizations who have joined forces to ensure that the March 15th Movement does not become a forgotten past, and we will do our best to support the truth investigation."

Changwon City has continuously supported commemorative projects to inherit and develop the spirit of sacrifice and enthusiasm for democratization of the March 15th Movement participants. Last year, the city made every effort to have the March 15th Movement recognized as an independent democratization movement by establishing the "March 15th Movement Origin Memorial Hall" at the site of the former Democratic Party headquarters.