Democratic Party Gwangju Branch Vows to Uphold Democracy and Peace
Memorial Ceremonies Held in Gwangju, South Jeolla, and Seoul
"Conscience in Action Must Be Practiced Today"
On the 16th anniversary of the passing of President Kim Daejung, the Gwangju Metropolitan City branch of the Democratic Party of Korea declared, "We will unwaveringly pursue the path of democracy and inter-Korean peace." On August 17, the branch emphasized the former president's spirit of democracy, peace, and human rights, pledging, "We will not merely commemorate his legacy, but take action to realize it in today's reality."
The branch stated, "President Kim Daejung stood up for the restoration of democracy as a 'conscience in action,' undeterred by the oppression of military dictatorship, and paved the way for reconciliation and peace by making the inter-Korean summit a reality. He spent his entire life fighting to uphold the universality of human rights and the value of human dignity."
The statement continued, "Last winter, as we experienced martial law, we witnessed how the democracy and peace that President Kim sought to achieve in his lifetime could be destroyed overnight. It is time to reaffirm the president's teaching that democracy must be protected through constant effort and dedication."
The branch further declared, "The spirit of President Kim Daejung will live on forever among the people and along the path of history. Together with the people, we will steadfastly advance toward a just nation, a peaceful Korean Peninsula, and a true democratic republic."
Meanwhile, on August 18, the 16th anniversary of President Kim's passing, memorial events will be held across the country. In Gwangju, a memorial ceremony and a commemorative play will take place at the Bitgoeul Citizens’ Culture Center at 2 p.m., while South Jeolla Province will hold a ceremony at the Kim Daejung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall at 11 a.m. A memorial ritual will also be held at 10:30 a.m. at his birthplace in Hauido, Sinan.
In Seoul, a central memorial ceremony organized by the Kim Daejung Peace Center will be held at the Seoul National Cemetery. Approximately 800 people are expected to attend, including National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheongrae, People Power Party interim leader Song Eonseok, officials from the presidential office, leaders from both ruling and opposition parties, former National Assembly speakers, former prime ministers, former presidential chiefs of staff, and children of former presidents. The ceremony will include memorial addresses, a video tribute, songs, a Catholic memorial service, and floral tributes and incense offerings at the gravesite.
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