Reflecting on the Spirit of Democratization at the Actual Historic Site of the Uprising
The symbolic monument embodying the historical significance of the Bu-Ma Democratic Uprising has been relocated from Seo Hang Park in Masan, where public accessibility was low, to Wolyeong Square in front of Kyungnam University, a key site where the uprising unfolded.
On December 19 at 11 a.m., Changwon Special City held an unveiling ceremony for the relocation and installation of the Bu-Ma Democratic Uprising symbolic monument at Wolyeong Square in front of the main gate of Kyungnam University, providing an opportunity to reflect on the spirit and historical meaning of the uprising.
The relocated monument was originally created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Bu-Ma Democratic Uprising by sculptor Kim Dongsook, a graduate of the Department of Art Education at Kyungnam University. Due to ongoing concerns over limited public accessibility, and at the continued request of the Bu-Ma Democratic Uprising Memorial Project Committee, the monument was moved to Wolyeong Square, an actual site that can more vividly convey the historical context of the uprising.
The area around Kyungnam University is recognized as a representative site of the uprising, where student protests and citizen participation were concentrated in October 1979, and is regarded as a symbolic space for the region's democratization movement. Through this relocation, the monument is expected to serve as a venue for historical education, naturally evoking memories of the democratization movement in daily life.
Hong Junghyo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, stated, "The installation of the symbolic monument at Wolyeong Square, the actual historic site of the Bu-Ma Democratic Uprising, serves as an opportunity to fully revive the meaning of the uprising." He added, "I hope this relocation will be the starting point for passing on the values and spirit of democratization to the next generation."
He continued, "With the monument now installed in a space with high foot traffic, I expect that students and citizens will be able to reflect on the meaning of democracy in their everyday lives. The university will also continue to play a role in preserving the history of democratization together with the local community."
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