Lee: "70 Years of the Democratic Party, a Glorious History of Democracy... Restoring Livelihoods and Achieving Economic Growth Together"

70th Anniversary Ceremony of the Democratic Party of Korea: President Lee's Congratulatory Message
President Lee Jaemyung Absent; Message Delivered by Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hunsik
"Impossible to Speak Without Mentioning Party Members and the People"

President Lee Jaemyung congratulated the Democratic Party of Korea on its 70th anniversary, stating, "I hope that all party members will join forces with the people to restore livelihoods, achieve economic growth, and pave the way for Korea's renewed leap forward."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 70th anniversary founding ceremony "With the People, With the Party Members, Democracy 70" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 19th. 2025.9.19 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In a congratulatory message delivered at the 70th anniversary ceremony of the Democratic Party of Korea held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido on September 19, President Lee said, "The Republic of Korea is facing a complex crisis unlike anything we have experienced before." President Lee did not attend the ceremony in person; the congratulatory message was read on his behalf by Kang Hunsik, Chief Presidential Secretary.

President Lee stated, "Over the past three years, the livelihoods of the people and the national economy have been severely damaged. The rapid changes in the global trade order, the restructuring of supply chains, and the industrial transition driven by the climate crisis are threatening Korea's future." He added, "We must turn this crisis into an opportunity for growth and progress, and to do so, we need to unite all our strengths."

President Lee said, "The past 70 years of the Democratic Party are a glorious history of safeguarding democracy." He continued, "Since its founding in 1925 in opposition to the Liberal Party's dictatorship, the Democratic Party has ceaselessly strived to defend democracy." He emphasized, "It is thanks to the dedication of all party members who resisted dictatorship and built democracy that today's democratic Republic of Korea exists. I pay tribute to all party members who, hand in hand with the people, defended democracy against the armed martial law forces on the night of the 12·3 Rebellion."

President Lee stated, "The Lee Jaemyung administration is the fourth democratic government born from the Revolution of Light." He added, "The 12·3 Rebellion taught us a painful lesson that when democracy is shaken, not only the livelihoods of the people but the entire nation is at risk." He pledged, "The government of the sovereign people will faithfully carry out the will of the people, continue to safeguard democracy without wavering, and strive even harder to fully realize popular sovereignty."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kwon Nogap, co-chairman of the 70th Anniversary Party Foundation Promotion Committee, along with the standing advisory group, are observing a moment of silence at the 70th Anniversary Party Foundation Ceremony "With the People, With the Party Members, Democracy 70" held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on September 19, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He also noted, "Today marks both the 70th anniversary of the Democratic Party and the 7th anniversary of the September 19 Joint Declaration." He stated, "Peace is the foundation of daily life, the bedrock of democracy, and an essential condition for economic development." He continued, "Division and confrontation bring no benefit to either South or North Korea. Now is the time to overcome the distrust and antagonism of the past three years and firmly establish the spirit of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."

In conclusion, he said, "The achievements of the Democratic Party could never have been realized without the contributions of our party members. At the same time, the past, present, and future of the Democratic Party cannot be discussed without the people. Trusting in our party members and the people, we will move forward with confidence."

Meanwhile, during the ceremony, video messages created using artificial intelligence (AI) featuring the late Shin Ikhee, the party's first leader, former President Kim Daejung, and former President Roh Moo-hyun were also released.