Mayor Kang Gijeong's 'New Declaration of Independence'... Emphasizes Sovereignty of the People and Democratic Government

Toward a Stronger Democracy with the Spirit of the March 1st Movement

At the 106th Anniversary of the March 1st Movement Ceremony, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong and attendees are shouting "Banzai" three times. Photo by Gwangju City

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, on the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, stated, "Let us all rise up together with the spirit of the March 1st Movement and move vigorously toward a brighter future, toward a stronger democracy."

At the 106th March 1st Movement anniversary ceremony held on the 1st at the Citizen Hall on the first floor of City Hall, Mayor Kang said, "I was reminded of the scenes from 106 years ago when a new beginning was declared for independence, and of today's scenes where people gather in the square, holding cheering sticks and singing, shouting that we cannot return to the past." He continued, "Just as there was the March 1st Declaration of Independence, today we also make a declaration for a new era," and proceeded to read the 'New Declaration of Independence.'

Through the 'New Declaration of Independence,' Mayor Kang emphasized that, first, the principle of popular sovereignty; second, the establishment of a democratic government to safeguard democracy; and third, the restoration of the square free from lies, hatred, extremism, and hostility, are the ways to inherit the spirit of the March 1st Independence Movement, which was a movement for harmony and unity.

He stated, "Through the March 1st Independence Movement, we were the first in the world to inscribe 'democratic republic' in our constitution," and emphasized, "All power in the Republic of Korea comes from the people. The strength to overcome crises and to restore daily life lies within the people, and the principle of popular sovereignty must always remain alive."

He continued, "The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, the fruit of the March 1st Independence Movement, filled the governmental void and restored historical legitimacy. Now, as chaos inside and outside the nation is severe, the role of government is more important than ever, and it is time to end the 'state of anarchy' that arose from martial law as soon as possible and establish a democratic government to safeguard democracy."

He also said, "We must eliminate lies, hatred, extremism, and hostility, which are corroding democracy and our community," adding, "The March 1st Independence Movement was a movement for harmony and unity that transcended regions, generations, gender, social status, and even religion. We do not agree with the forces that divide the square, regions, and generations, and with their division, conflict, and extreme hatred."

Mayor Kang stated, "Each of us holds a cheering stick in our hearts, and peace-loving people and democrats around the world are like beacons illuminating our path forward," adding, "No darkness can overcome this light."

Meanwhile, at the ceremony, more than 200 people attended, including Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, Gwangju City Council Chairperson Shin Sujeong, Gwangju Superintendent of Education Lee Jeongseon, Dong-gu District Chief Lim Taek, Seo-gu District Chief Kim Ikang, Nam-gu District Chief Kim Byeongnae, Buk-gu District Chief Moon In, Gwangsan-gu District Chief Park Byeonggyu, Gwangju Chapter President Ko Uk of the Liberation Association, Gwangju Chapter President Lee Eunhyeong of the Korea Disabled Veterans Organization, representatives of veterans' organizations, descendants of independence patriots, and citizens.