President Lee Apologizes for State Violence During 1960 Democracy Movement

President Lee Jae Myung issued an official apology Sunday to the bereaved families of victims of the March 15 Democracy Movement, marking a historic first for a sitting South Korean president. The apology came during a ceremony commemorating the 66th anniversary of the movement in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province.

A Historic First: Presidential Apology

Lee Jae Myung’s attendance at the commemoration ceremony was also unprecedented, as he is the first sitting president to participate since the event was designated a national memorial day in 2010. He expressed “heartfelt apology and comforting words” to the families who suffered due to state violence during the protests. Yonhap News Agency reported the President stating, “I will not forget your noble sacrifice.”

The March 15 Democracy Movement

The March 15 Democracy Movement began in Masan (now part of Changwon) in 1960, sparked by widespread election fraud during the presidential election under then-President Rhee Syng-man. The protests quickly spread nationwide, ultimately leading to the April 19 Revolution and Rhee’s removal from office. The movement is considered Korea’s first bloody democratization movement.

Government Commitment to Recognition and Compensation

President Lee pledged that his government would intensify efforts to identify more individuals who participated in the March 15 Democracy Movement and the subsequent April 19 Revolution. He committed to ensuring they receive appropriate compensation and recognition. According to Yonhap, this will include granting awards, preserving historical records, and formally acknowledging the contributions of those involved.

Local Reactions and Calls for Greater Recognition

Changwon Special Mayor Jang Geum-yong, acting mayor, described the President’s attendance as a “historical moment” that underscores the significance of the March 15 Movement. Byeon Byeon-min, chairman of the steering committee of the March 15 Uprising Memorial Society, expressed hope that the event would be recognized as a core part of Korean democratic history, rather than simply a precursor to the April 19 Revolution.

Commemoration Events

The 66th anniversary commemoration included a visit to the National March 15 Democracy Cemetery, an opening performance, a national ceremony, a commemorative performance, and the singing of the March 15 Uprising song. A memorial service was also held the previous day, hosted by the March 15 Uprising Victims’ Families Association and the March 15 Uprising Memorial Association.