The First Bloody Democratic Movement in Masan... Truth and Reconciliation Commission Decides to Verify the Truth

Recommendation for Follow-up Actions to National and Local Governments

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) announced on the 8th that it has decided to ascertain the truth regarding the 'March 15 Uprising Protest Participation Confirmation Case' and has recommended follow-up measures to the state and local governments.

Students of Masan Nursing High Technical School protesting while passing through the city center on April 12, 1960
[Photo by Truth and Reconciliation Commission]

The March 15 Uprising was the first bloody democratization movement that occurred in the Masan area in 1960 in response to the fraudulent election by the Liberal Party regime on March 15 and authoritarian rule. At that time, protesters were subjected to assault, detention, and torture, resulting in numerous casualties and human rights violations.

According to the TRC, nine applicants including Mr. Jang were confirmed to have individually participated in the protests as students of Masan Nursing Technical High School, Seongji Girls' High School, and as nurses at the Provincial Masan Hospital, or participated in student group protests during the March 15 Uprising. The TRC judged that these applicants actually participated in the protests based on their specific and consistent testimonies during the investigation.

It was also confirmed during the investigation that applicant Mr. Jo, who was a student at Masan Nursing Technical High School at the time, hid protestors fleeing after police gunfire near the Provincial Hospital on the night of March 15 in the dormitory.

The TRC recommended, "Through this truth ascertainment decision, it is necessary for the state, local governments, and education offices to honor the participants of the March 15 Uprising, and to promote educational projects and historical awareness cultivation to inform future generations of the spirit and historical significance of the March 15 Uprising, as well as to advance commemorative projects and enact or amend related laws."