Will December Get a New National Holiday? Debate Rises Over December 3 Designation: "Reasonable" vs "Unnecessary"

"Political Tool" vs "A Day All Citizens Must Remember"
Lee: "Our Future Generations Must Remember Forever"

President Lee Jae-myung is answering questions from the press at a foreign media conference titled "Renewed Democracy, One Year" held on the 3rd at the Blue House State Guest House. Photo by Yonhap News Agency Presidential Press Photographers Group

President Lee Jae-myung's proposal to designate December 3, the anniversary of the declaration of martial law last year, as a national holiday called "National Sovereignty Day" has sparked intense debate. Some argue that "it is a day all Korean citizens should remember," while others question, "If so, why not designate the anniversaries of the April 19 Revolution and the May 18 Democratization Movement as national holidays as well?"

On December 4, various social networking services were filled with numerous opinions from netizens regarding President Lee's remarks. Some users expressed disagreement, saying, "It shouldn't be designated as a national holiday," and "National holidays should not be used as political tools," emphasizing that not all citizens share the same sentiment.

On the other hand, there were also many who supported the idea of making it a public holiday. Supporters echoed President Lee's statement, saying, "It is a day every Korean citizen should remember for life," "Designating it as a national holiday will ensure that future generations remember it," and "Even young children should know what national sovereignty means."

Previously, on December 3, President Lee delivered a special address to the nation at the presidential office in Yongsan, marking the first anniversary of the December 3 Martial Law. He stated, "The government of national sovereignty, born from the 'Revolution of Light,' will honor the great courage and actions of our people," and announced, "We will designate December 3 as 'National Sovereignty Day.'"

In the subsequent Q&A session, President Lee explained, "It is important to designate this day as the day the Revolution of Light began and as the day national sovereignty was truly realized, making it a legal holiday so that our people, at least once a year, can recall and reaffirm its significance in their daily lives. This will ensure that future generations can forever remember and experience this day."