"The People Chose Action, Not Silence, in Response to the December 3 Illegal Praetorian Coup"
"Kim Geuntae's Conviction and Spirit: An Ongoing Task and Our Future"
On December 29, President Lee Jaemyung commemorated the 14th anniversary of the passing of "Democrat Kim Geuntae," stating, "He proved through his life that democracy is not completed by words and slogans, but by action."
In his memorial address, President Lee said, "Although state violence was commonplace in those days, he never remained silent. Instead of choosing comfortable compromise, he walked the difficult and painful path of truth." He continued, "The democratic nation of Korea that Kim Geuntae sought to protect was a country where human dignity is upheld, where power cannot reign over the people, and where citizens can speak and make choices without fear."
In particular, President Lee referenced the December 3 Martial Law declared last year, saying, "When an illegal praetorian coup occurred, the people chose action over silence." He emphasized, "The lights of cheering sticks filled the square, driving away the darkness of martial law." President Lee added, "The people together proved the principle that the state does not exist above the people, and that unjust power cannot prevail over the people."
President Lee also described the conviction and spirit of democrat Kim Geuntae as "not a completed chapter of the past, but an ongoing task and our future." He went on to say, "Democracy is not achieved through a single victory; it must be constantly guarded, nurtured, and grown." He affirmed, "The government of popular sovereignty will deeply honor his will so that our democracy can grow greater and take deeper root with each generation."
On this day, the memorial address by President Lee was read by Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs. The memorial event was held at the grave of Kim Geuntae in Moran Park, Maseok, Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.
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