Democracy Defended by the Actions of Students and Citizens
Honoring the Spirit of the Buma Democratic Uprising
On October 16, Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam held the 46th Anniversary National Commemoration Ceremony of the Buma Democratic Uprising under the theme "United Voices, Echoes of October" at the Grand Theater of the 3.15 Art Center in Masanhoewon-gu.
This year marks the seventh ceremony, and the event was attended by key figures including Prime Minister Kim Minseok, Park Sangdo, Chairman of the Buma Democratic Uprising Memorial Foundation, Park Wansu, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do, Park Hyungjun, Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, and Jang Geumyong, Acting Mayor and First Vice Mayor of Changwon Special City, as well as over 600 participants including those involved in the Buma Democratic Uprising, their families, and government officials.
The Buma Democratic Uprising was a historic event in which students and citizens in the Busan and Masan regions rose up against the military dictatorship of the Yushin regime from October 16 to 20, 1979, in an effort to defend democracy. It is regarded as one of the four major democratization movements in modern Korean history.
Since the designation of the "Buma Democratic Uprising" as a national memorial day in 2019, the national commemoration ceremony has been held alternately in Changwon and Busan every other year. The event has become a meaningful occasion to honor the historical significance of the Buma Democratic Uprising and to reaffirm the spirit of democracy together with citizens.
The ceremony began with a pre-event performance of "I Am a Firefly" by the Gyeongnam Little Singers, followed by a themed performance by the Changwon Citizens' Musical Troupe, a video message of support for the Buma Uprising, and a reading of messages of gratitude, among other diverse programs, further enhancing the significance of the commemoration.
Jang Geumyong, Acting Mayor of Changwon Special City, stated, "Changwon, where the spark of the Buma Democratic Uprising was ignited, has become the heart of democracy in Korea thanks to the courage and sacrifice of its citizens. Changwon City will deeply embrace the spirit of the Buma Democratic Uprising and, together with its citizens, strive to uphold the values of democracy so that its meaning can be properly passed on to the next generation."
Meanwhile, Changwon City will hold the "Buma Democratic Uprising Changwon City Commemoration Ceremony and Citizens' Cultural Festival" at the outdoor performance hall of the 3.15 Marine Nuri Park on October 18. Through democracy experience booths with citizen participation, a Buma photo exhibition, and cultural performances, the city aims to continue remembering and carrying forward the spirit of the Buma Uprising together with its citizens.
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