[468 Cover] The Power of the Democratic Citizens

   “The sovereignty of the Republic of Korea resides with the people, and all power comes from the people.” Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution of the South Korea stipulates the democratic foundation of the country. South Korea’s democracy holds meaning beyond mere political change. South Korea’s transformation from oppressive military dictatorships to a mature democratic society was driven by the persistent struggles and efforts of its citizens. Through many twists and turns and significant events, South Korea’s democracy has evolved into the form it takes today. Through this article, The Dongguk Post will revisit the history of South Korea’s democracy by focusing on key developments and important events, examining their meaning, and the challenges it currently faces.

The April 19 Revolution: Large-scale civil resistance

   The April 19 Revolution is a significant milestone in the history of South Korean democracy, marking the large-scale civil resistance against military dictatorship. The revolution was sparked by fraudulent elections under President Rhee Syng man’s government. On March 15th, 1960, the President Rhee Syng-man’s government held fraudulent elections to maintain its power, and in response, students and citizens nationwide protested and demonstrated. Students in major cities, including Seoul, took to the streets, and the police forcefully suppressed them. Excessive force led to many casualties, and the discovery of Kim Ju-yeol’s body—who had gone missing in Masan, and was later found with a tear gas canister lodged in his eye—sparked national outrage.

   On April 19th, students from universities in Seoul staged planned protests and marched toward the central government building. However, the police indiscriminately fired at the protesters, resulting in the deaths of many students. The slogans at the time were “Re-run the fraudulent March 15th elections,” “End the dictatorship,” and “Resign, President,” as the students vehemently protested the dictatorship and electoral fraud. The police’s gunfire and the brutal suppression by political thugs led to numerous casualties, and Seoul temporarily descended into a state of lawlessness. The government declared martial law in Seoul at 3 P.M., deploying tanks to suppress the protests. Despite this, the resistance by students and citizens continued.

   Ultimately, the Rhee Syng-man’s government could not regain control of public sentiment, and on April 28th, Rhee Syng-man resigned and fled to Hawaii. The April 19 Revolution ended his 12-year-long rule and led to the establishment of the Second Republic of Korea. This event had a profound impact on the development of South Korean democracy and became a catalyst for subsequent democratization movements. Dongguk University commemorates the April 19 Revolution annually by organizing a hike up Bukhan Mountain. Many faculty members and students participate in this event to reflect on the spirit of sacrifice symbolized by the revolution.

Persistent South Korea’s democratic struggles

   South Korea’s ongoing struggles for democracy went on under the military dictatorship of the 1960s and 70s. President Park Chung-hee’s military regime achieved economic growth but suppressed political freedoms. Under media control and political oppression, the voices of the public were silenced while free elections and political participation were not allowed. The government’s tight grip on power, however, did not fully quash the desire for political freedoms among the people. The implementation of the Yushin Constitution in 1972, which granted President Park Chung-hee virtually unlimited power by abolishing direct presidential elections and extending his rule indefinitely, further strengthened authoritarian rule and deepened political repression. Nonetheless, South Korean society began to feel the need for change, and the winds of democratization gradually began to blow.

The June Democratic Uprising: The wave of democratization

   In the 1980s, South Korea witnessed a growing demand for democratization. After President Chun Doo-hwan seized control of the military dictatorship in the December 12th, 1979 military coup, the pro-democracy movements faced severe repression. Although, in 1980, a pro-democracy movement broke out in Gwangju against the new military government but was violently suppressed. However, in 1987, South Korean society experienced a significant turning point. In January of that year, a Seoul National University student, Park Jong-chul, was tortured and killed by the police, reigniting the pro-democracy movement. Public outrage over this incident led to protests, and while President Chun Doo-hwan’s government tried to suppress them, the demonstrations spread even further. 

   On April 13th, 1987, President Chun Doo-hwan’s government announced the “April 13 Measures,” delaying constitutional amendments and reinforcing its stance to maintain military rule. This only fueled more opposition from the citizens. Despite efforts to obstruct the formation of the Unified Democratic Party, led by Kim Young-sam, and the repression of the pro-democracy movements, demands for democratization continued to intensify across all sectors of society, including academia, the cultural sector, and religious communities.

   On May 18th, the Association of Catholic Priests for Justice exposed the government’s cover-up and minimization of the Park Jong-chul torture death, further intensifying calls for democratization. On June 9th, Yonsei University student Lee Han yeol was severely injured and later died from a police tear gas shell during protests. This incident accelerated the spark for the June Democratic Uprising. Beginning June 10th, large-scale protests broke out nationwide, and the National Democratic Constitutional Movement Headquarters, led by pro-democracy figures like Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung, was established. Their goal was to achieve democracy through non-violent struggle, and across the country, street protests demanding immediate constitutional amendments continued.

   On June 26th, one million people participated in the largest protest of the June Democratic Uprising, which took place in 33 cities and further amplified the push for democratization in South Korean society. Finally, on June 29th, President Chun Doo-hwan’s government issued the “6.29 Declaration,” promising constitutional amendments, including the introduction of direct presidential elections. This declaration led to a political turning point with the agreement of both ruling and opposition parties, including the amnesty and political rehabilitation of Kim Dae-jung. Despite the repression and violence under the military regime, the people did not abandon their desire for democracy. The June Democratic Uprising laid the foundation for the democratic society that South Korea enjoys today.

Stabilization of democracy and political change

   The 1990s marked a period when South Korean democracy became firmly established and developed. After democratization in 1987, South Korean society experienced the maturity of political parties and civil society. Under President Kim Young-sam, South Korea moved towards guaranteeing press freedom and political diversity. The Kim Young-sam government worked to eliminate the remnants of the military dictatorship, fought corruption, and attempted to end collusion between government and business. In 1992, South Korea held its first peaceful transfer of power, when Kim Young-sam succeeded Roh Tae-woo as president. This signified the gradual consolidation of democracy in the country. However, economic inequality, labor movements, and youth unemployment continued to remain significant issues in South Korean society. Nevertheless, the activation of political parties and civil society strengthened democracy and instilled confidence in the public that a peaceful transition of power was possible.

Democracy and the role of citizens in the 21st century

   Entering the 21st century, South Korea has achieved qualitative advancement in its democracy, but it continues to face many challenges. Political polarization and economic inequality remain unresolved, and social conflicts are intensifying. Even in this situation, efforts to protect democracy continue. In particular, the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye serves as a testament to the power of South Korean democracy. The impeachment of President Park Geun-hye occurred in 2016 due to the Choi Soon-sil influence peddling scandal. Choi Soon-sil, a close associate of President Park Geun-hye, was found to have interfered in government policies and received improper support from businesses, thereby manipulating state affairs. This led to allegations of abuse of power and bribery against President Park Geun-hye. In response to widespread public backlash, the National Assembly passed an impeachment motion against President Park Geun-hye. The Constitutional Court ultimately upheld the decision, resulting in her impeachment. The public’s impeachment movement, which began with the candlelight protests of 2016, ultimately led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. This event demonstrated that South Korean democracy is not limited to institutional change but that citizens’ voices can have a real impact on political power. The massive but peaceful-participation of millions of citizens in protests proved how fundamental democratic rights and participation can lead to social change.

   Currently, President Yoon Suk-yeol, who assumed office as the 13th President of South Korea in 2022, recently sparked significant controversy by declaring martial law. It led to widespread social unrest. This event prompted massive protests across the country with public attention and participation reaching a peak. Mass protests regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol have been continuously taking place in various locations across Seoul, including Yeouido, Gwanghwamun, and Yongsan. While most of the demonstrations have remained peaceful, some have escalated into violent clashes, such as the recent riot at the Western District Court, heightening social tensions. Following President Yoon Suk-yeol’s arrest and subsequent release, people have once again taken to the streets to express their positions on the issue. Supporters and opponents alike are making their voices heard, further deepening divisions in public opinion. The Constitutional Court is expected to deliver its final ruling on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment in the near future. The outcome of this decision will likely have a profound impact on the future course of South Korean politics.

   South Korean democracy is no longer limited to domestic concerns but also serves as a model for democratic movements worldwide. South Korea’s democratization process has significantly impacted other countries. Although not named, including the above events and the victims, there have been many cases of people who sacrificed for the sake of democracy in Korea. The development of democracy in South Korea offers crucial lessons to other nations. South Korea has become an important example of how citizen participation and political responsibility can preserve the foundations of democracy. For this democracy to thrive, it is essential for citizens to maintain a respectful attitude towards differing opinions and engage in constructive dialogue, being wary of extreme positions. Nevertheless, South Korea still faces challenges related to political conflicts and social inequality. Despite these challenges, citizens’ efforts to protect democracy will continue.