[Full Text] President Lee Jae-myung’s Special Address to the Nation on the 1st Anniversary of the Revolution of Light

President Lee Jae-myung is answering reporters' questions after delivering the '1st Anniversary Special National Address on the Revolution of Light' at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 3rd, marking the first anniversary of the December 3rd Emergency Martial Law incident. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

President Lee Jae-myung, marking one year since the December 3rd Emergency Martial Law Incident, announced his intention to designate December 3rd as "National Sovereignty Day" through the legislative process in the National Assembly, stating, "As long as the Republic of Korea exists, we will commemorate the day we protected constitutional order and democracy together."

In his "1st Anniversary Special National Address on the Revolution of Light" delivered on the 3rd, President Lee said, "The December 3rd coup was an occasion that showcased the high level of civic consciousness and the remarkable resilience of Korean democracy to the world."

President Lee assessed, "It was the first time in world history that not only did a praetorian coup occur in a democracy similar to Korea in the 21st century, but also that unarmed citizens peacefully and beautifully thwarted such a coup."

He further stated that the people, who overcame the crisis through peaceful means, are fully deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The following is President Lee Jae-myung’s Special Address to the Nation.

Fellow citizens, today marks one year since the beginning of the "Revolution of Light."

It was unprecedented in the 21st century for a praetorian coup to occur in a democracy similar to Korea,

and it was also the first time in world history that unarmed citizens peacefully and beautifully stopped such a coup.

Paradoxically, the December 3rd coup became an opportunity to demonstrate to the world the high level of civic consciousness of our people and the extraordinary resilience of Korean democracy.

When the coup broke out, our citizens rushed to the National Assembly without a moment's hesitation.

They blocked armored vehicles heading toward the National Assembly with their bare bodies, protested against police who were sealing off the legislature, and helped lawmakers climb over the walls so they could fulfill their constitutional duties.

The National Assembly's decision to lift martial law and the military's faithful implementation of this decision under civilian control were all possible because the people themselves took action.

I also remember the young people who stood guard in front of the National Assembly all night to prevent the possibility of a second martial law declaration.

I vividly recall the citizens who endured the cold asphalt in the middle of winter, relying on a single thermal blanket as snow poured down.

I remember the warm-heartedness of those who, feeling sorry for not being able to join the rallies, opened their wallets and made advance payments in support.

I remember the spirit of solidarity shown by those who, even when public transportation had stopped, rushed to Namtaeryeong to protect the farmers without hesitation.

While those behind the coup were deeply unjust, our people were incomparably righteous.

The people did not respond with violence, but instead transformed the worst moment triggered by the illegal praetorian coup into the best moment through dance and song.

You restored light to Korea, which was on the verge of returning to an age of darkness, with a brilliant array of colors.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the great people of Korea, who demonstrated the shining power of courage and solidarity.

The National Sovereignty Government, born from the "Revolution of Light," will designate December 3rd as "National Sovereignty Day" to honor the great courage and actions of our people.

As long as the Republic of Korea exists, we will commemorate the protection of constitutional order and democracy together, and use this day as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to an even stronger democracy.

The December 3rd praetorian coup was not just a crisis of democracy experienced by a single country.

As many foreign media outlets pointed out, if Korean democracy had collapsed, it would have triggered a global retreat of democracy, not just in Asia but around the world.

Democracy is one of the greatest 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 built on sand.

In this regard, the fact that our people repelled illegal martial law and ousted unjust power through peaceful means and in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures is an event that will be remembered in the history of world democracy.

It proved how powerful democratic institutions and peaceful solutions can be when exercised by citizens who truly uphold their sovereignty.

I am convinced that the Korean people, who overcame an unprecedented crisis of democracy in world history through peaceful means, are fully deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.

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 become a major turning point for all nations shaken by conflict and division.

Proud citizens of Korea,

The "Revolution of Light" is not yet over. The investigation and trials of those involved in the insurrection are still ongoing.

Just as the past saved the present and the dead helped the living, I believe it is the solemn duty of the National Sovereignty Government to ensure that the "Revolution of Light" saves the future and helps our descendants.

Strict punishment for those who participated in the praetorian coup is the beginning.

Their audacity in destroying constitutional order and even plotting war for personal ambition must be judged without fail.

To build a country where no one can even dream of a coup and where no one can threaten the light of national sovereignty, "righteous integration" is essential.

Together with the great Korean people who have lit the beacon of democracy, we will see the "Revolution of Light" through to completion.

Fellow citizens, since my inauguration, I have met with leaders from around the world and felt the international community's keen interest in and high expectations for Korea.

At a time when democracy is under threat and the world order is rapidly changing in an era of uncertainty, the world is paying close attention to the great courage and determination shown by our people.

Korea is now writing a new chapter in world history.

The shining example set by the Korean people through the "Revolution of Light" is establishing a new standard for democracy worldwide.

Just as we have forged an unprecedented path, the road ahead will also be one that no one has traveled before. Sometimes deep valleys, sometimes high mountains will stand in our way.

However, the Korean people, who overcame the high walls of the praetorian coup, can surmount any obstacle.

I will always remember the meaning of the birth of the National Sovereignty Government. Trusting in the people, I will boldly move forward to complete the "Revolution of Light" and build a true nation of national sovereignty.

I will create a more prosperous, stronger, and more humane country.

I believe that the people of Korea will be steadfast companions on this hopeful journey as we write a new history for our great nation.