Special Address to the Nation: "Coup Ambitions Must Be Judged"
"Righteous Integration Is Essential... We Must Build a Nation Where No One Can Even Dream of a Coup"
President Lee Jaemyung, marking the first anniversary of the 12·3 Martial Law, announced that "as long as the Republic of Korea exists, we will jointly commemorate the day that protected our constitutional order and democracy," and stated his intention to designate December 3 as "National Sovereignty Day" through the legislative process in the National Assembly. He also assessed that the Korean people, who overcame the crisis through peaceful means, are fully deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.
In a special statement titled "One Year of the Revolution of Light" released on the 3rd, President Lee said, "The 12·3 coup was an occasion that demonstrated to the world the high level of sovereignty consciousness among our people and the remarkable resilience of Korean democracy." He further stated, "It is unprecedented in world history for a palace coup to occur and for unarmed citizens to peacefully and beautifully thwart it with their own hands."
President Lee recalled, one by one, the images of citizens who stood against martial law in the National Assembly and on the streets a year ago, and repeatedly expressed his gratitude to the "great people of Korea who displayed the shining power of bold courage and solidarity." He said, "You blocked armored vehicles heading to the National Assembly with your bare bodies, protested against police who blockaded the parliament, and opened paths so that lawmakers could climb over the walls. I remember the young people who guarded the front of the National Assembly building all night to prevent a possible second martial law, and the citizens who braved the cold asphalt with only a single emergency blanket in the heavy snow of midwinter."
He continued, "I remember the spirit of solidarity shown by those who, apologizing for not being able to join the rallies in person, made advance payments from their wallets, and those who rushed to Namtaeryeong to protect farmers even when public transportation had stopped running. While they acted with great injustice, our people were exceptionally just," he said.
President Lee went on to declare, based on this assessment, that December 3 would be designated as "National Sovereignty Day" to honor the courage and actions of the people. He stated, "As long as the Republic of Korea exists, we will commemorate together the protection of our constitutional order and democracy, and use this as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to an even stronger democracy."
However, he made it clear that there are still tasks remaining. President Lee said, "The 'Revolution of Light' is not yet over," adding, "The investigation and trials to uncover the truth of the insurrection and to hold those involved accountable are still ongoing." He continued, "Just as the past saved the present and the dead helped the living, it is the grave duty of the government of national sovereignty to ensure that the 'Revolution of Light' saves the future and helps our descendants."
President Lee especially emphasized the need for strict punishment of those involved in the palace coup. He said, "The brutality of destroying the constitutional order and even plotting war for private ambition must be judged without fail," and added, "To create a country where no one can even dream of a coup again, and where no one can threaten the light of national sovereignty, 'righteous integration' is essential. Together with the great people of Korea who have illuminated the beacon of democracy, I will see the 'Revolution of Light' through to completion."
President Lee described the 12·3 incident and the process of overcoming it as a historic event that will be remembered in the history of world democracy. He said, "Democracy is one of the finest systems in history, but it is not perfect in itself. No matter how excellent the laws and institutions, without the capacity of the people to support and implement them, they are nothing but castles in the air."
He continued, "The fact that our people defeated illegal martial law and ousted unjust power through peaceful means, following the procedures established by the constitution and laws, proves how powerful democratic institutions and peaceful solutions can be when realized by a people who exercise their sovereignty."
President Lee then stated with confidence that the Korean people, who overcame an unprecedented crisis of democracy in world history through peaceful means, are fully qualified to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He added, "If the Korean people were to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for saving democracy, restoring peace, and demonstrating the greatness of democracy to the world, it would mark a major turning point for all countries shaken by conflict and division."
Mentioning his diplomatic experience since taking office, President Lee said, "Meeting with leaders of various countries, I have felt the high level of international attention and great expectations toward the Republic of Korea." He continued, "In this era of uncertainty, where democracy is under threat and the world order is rapidly changing, the world is watching the great courage and determination our people have shown." He also emphasized, "The Republic of Korea is now writing world history, and the shining example set by our people through the 'Revolution of Light' is establishing a new standard for global democracy."
President Lee pledged, "I will always remember the significance of the birth of the government of national sovereignty," and promised, "I will boldly move forward, trusting in the people, to complete the 'Revolution of Light' and build a true nation of national sovereignty."
Meanwhile, after concluding a press conference for foreign correspondents on the theme "A New Democracy, One Year On," President Lee will invite the five key figures of state-National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, Chief Justice Cho Heedae, Constitutional Court President Kim Sanghwan, Prime Minister Kim Minseok, and National Election Commission Chairman Noh Taeak-to the presidential office for a luncheon. This is expected to be a time to reflect on the significance and tasks of the first anniversary of the Revolution of Light. At 7 p.m. that evening, President Lee, along with Prime Minister Kim and others, will attend the "Citizens' March for the Liquidation and End of Insurrection and Treason, and for Major Social Reform," hosted by civic groups and political parties.
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