Kim Dong-yeon: "'Popular Sovereignty' is a Proud Historical Legacy Born from the March 1st Movement"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon emphasized that "'Popular Sovereignty' is a proud historical legacy born from the March 1st Movement that must be confirmed and practiced through daily administration and policy as a promise."

Governor Kim said at the commemorative address of the '107th Anniversary March 1st Independence Movement Commemoration Ceremony' held at Gyeonggi Art Center in Suwon on the morning of the 1st, "The 107th March 1st Day is especially meaningful as it is the first March 1st observed after the 'Revolution of Light' that overcame civil unrest and the launch of the 'Popular Sovereignty Government,'" and added "Following the launch of the new administration, 'Popular Sovereignty' is becoming the practical principle of state administration and governance."

Governor Kim Dong-yeon further stated, "As the largest local government, Gyeonggi Province bears the weighty responsibility of realizing 'Popular Sovereignty' in the actual lives of 14.2 million provincial residents," expressing his determination to act, and announced "I will move forward vigorously to fulfill the promise and responsibility of 'Popular Sovereignty' in the lives of our residents."

Governor Kim stated, "History becomes the force that creates the future when discovered, remembered, and its meaning is renewed," and promised "I will solidly establish the values of democracy and republicanism and fully build the history of independence to raise the quality of life for all provincial residents."

To this end, he added, "Since last May, Gyeonggi Province has been searching for 'nameless independence heroes.' Through precise analysis of imprisonment records and court documents, we have newly identified a total of 1,094 anti-Japanese independence activists, and for 648 individuals whose achievements have been clearly confirmed, we immediately applied for commendation from the National Veterans Affairs Agency."

He further stated, "Last December, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of liberation, we brought into the country for the first time the handwritten calligraphy 'Jangtan Ilseong Seonjo Ilbon' written by Ahn Jung-geun just before his martyrdom and made it public. To honor Dr. Ahn's life and independence spirit, we plan to exhibit this calligraphy at the 'Ahn Jung-geun Peace Center' at Paju Imjin-gak Peace Nuri opening in September," and emphasized "We are also proceeding without delay on the construction of the 'Gyeonggi Province Independence Memorial Hall.'"

Governor Kim Dong-yeon said, "One hundred seven years ago, the cry of 'Long live Korean independence' echoed through the heavens and beacon fires blazed on every ridge of Gyeonggi Province, which has now become the center of economy and industry that captures the attention of the world beyond South Korea, and the beating heart of innovation and challenge," and announced "I will make concentrated, pace-driven, and tangible changes so that the warmth of economic growth can spread to every corner of our residents' daily lives."

Meanwhile, the 107th Anniversary March 1st Independence Movement Commemoration Ceremony was attended by approximately 800 people including Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, National Assembly Members Choo Mi-ae, Kim Young-jin, and Kim Jun-hyuk, Kim Ho-dong, Head of Gyeonggi Branch of the Korean Independence War Veterans Association, association members, patriotic organizations, related organizations, and participants in the Peace Run.