National 3.15 Democratic Cemetery Management Office Selects 'Kim Hyodeok Martyr' for April's Person Focus

Died at Age 19 from a Gunshot Wound
While Participating in the March 15 Election Protest

The National March 15 Democratic Cemetery Management Office announced on the 1st that it has selected 'Kim Hyodeok' as the focus of the April March 15 Person of Interest.

As the only son of Kim Jongryong, Kim Hyodeok graduated from Masan Mapo Middle School in 1958 and was working as a factory laborer at the time. On the night of March 15, 1960, while participating in a protest against the fraudulent March 15 election, he was fatally shot in the left side of his head near Masan City Hall and died at the age of 19. Kim Hyodeok is currently buried in Section 1, Area 4 of the National March 15 Democratic Cemetery.

According to Kim Hyodeok's mother, "As the only son, I endured many hardships and shed many tears raising him next to his father, who suffered from mental illness. Just as he was coming of age and we were beginning to share our thoughts and live together, he died so suddenly. If my child cannot return, I hope at least his name will shine in history and be widely known, so that my heart may find some comfort."

Director Lee Seongcheol stated, "We will continue to develop various programs to carry on the spirit of the March 15 Uprising," and added, "We will do our best to make the March 15 Democratic Cemetery a beloved local attraction for all citizens, so that the spirit of honoring our patriots lives on in everyday life and the value of remembrance is elevated together with all the people."