National 3·15 Democratic Cemetery Management Office, January 3·15 Figure Focus Selection

Intensive Promotion Project for 12 Martyrs Buried in the Cemetery

The National 3·15 Democratic Cemetery Management Office selects the ‘3·15 Person of the Month’ for 2025 to introduce key figures related to the March 15th Movement.

In particular, to focus on the 12 martyrs who sacrificed their lives protesting the 3·15 fraudulent election, one martyr will be highlighted each month. Various experiential events will be held to honor these 12 martyrs, including the ‘12-Person Roll Call Event,’ the ‘12 Martyrs Caricature Special Exhibition,’ and ‘Leaving 12 Martyrs Stamps.’

The January 3·15 Person of the Month is ‘Martyr Kim Young-ho.’ Martyr Kim was born in Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongnam Province, as the second son among four sons and one daughter of his father Kim Wi-sul. While attending Masan Muhak Elementary School and Masan Jungang Middle School, at the age of 19, he was known for his lively personality, enjoyed playing baduk (Go), and aspired to become an economist.

On March 15, 1960, Martyr Kim sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, with the bullet passing below his right ear, during a protest against the fraudulent election near Masan City Hall. He died at the scene. Currently, Martyr Kim is interred in Section 1, Area 1 of the National 3·15 Democratic Cemetery.

Director Lee Sung-chul stated, “By actively promoting the martyrs related to the March 15th Movement who sacrificed for the development of democracy in the Republic of Korea, future generations can honor and inherit their spirit. We aim to establish this 3·15 Democratic Cemetery as a popular local attraction visited by all citizens.” He added, “We will do our best to elevate the value of veterans’ affairs that live and breathe in everyday life and are shared by all people.”