“Designating ‘National Sovereignty Day’ to Honor Courage and Action of Citizens”
“South Korea has many historical experiences where citizens have built the country by resisting injustice.”
“There are few experiences where victory was achieved peacefully, justly, and following legal procedures.”
“There is value in designating a day as a legal holiday to remember and commemorate the realization of national sovereignty.”
“Though there will be much debate in the legislative process, the decision will follow public opinion.”
On December 3rd, President Lee Jae-myung announced the designation of December 3 as ‘National Sovereignty Day’ to honor the courageous actions of the citizens during the December 3 martial law crisis.
While presenting a special statement on the first anniversary of the ‘Revolution of Light’ at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, President Lee stated, “The government born out of the ‘Revolution of Light’ aims to designate December 3rd as National Sovereignty Day to commend the great courage and actions of our citizens. As long as the Republic of Korea exists, we will commemorate the preservation of constitutional order and democracy and use this as an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to stronger democracy.”
In response to questions regarding the intent and method of designating National Sovereignty Day, President Lee said, “South Korea has numerous historical experiences where citizens have properly established the country by resisting injustice. Such peaceful, just, and legally procedural achievements by the people are rare.”
He emphasized, “It’s a historical experience worth remembering and celebrating by future generations, by setting the day the Revolution of Light began as a commemorative day, and a legal holiday, so we can remember and commemorate this day once a year in our daily lives.”
However, he added, “It cannot be decided unilaterally by the executive branch and must go through legislation by the National Assembly. There will be many debates in that process, but I think the final decision will follow public opinion.”