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

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

Governor Kim stated at the commemorative address for the "107th Anniversary March 1st Independence Movement Memorial Ceremony" held at Gyeonggi Arts Center in Suwon on the morning of the 1st, "The 107th March 1st is all the more meaningful as it is the first March 1st we celebrate after overcoming internal turmoil through the 'revolution of light' and the launch of a 'people's sovereignty government,'" adding "Since the new government's launch, 'people's sovereignty' has become the actual principle of state affairs and administration."

Governor Kim Dong-yeon further stated, "As Korea's largest local government, Gyeonggi Province bears the heavy responsibility of realizing 'people's sovereignty' in the actual lives of 14.2 million residents," expressing his commitment, and declared "I will move forward powerfully to practice the promise and responsibility of 'people's sovereignty' in the lives of our residents."

Governor Kim stated, "History becomes the power to create the future when we discover it, remember it, and reflect on its meaning," and promised "I will firmly strengthen the values of democracy and republicanism, and fully establish the history of independence to enhance the quality of life for all residents."

To this end, he added, "Since last May, Gyeonggi Province has searched for 'unnamed independence heroes,' and through precise analysis of imprisonment records and court documents, identified 1,094 independence activists fighting Japanese colonial rule, and immediately submitted 648 individuals with clearly confirmed achievements for national honors."

He further stated, "In December last year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of liberation, we brought back and publicly displayed for the first time An Jung-geun's final calligraphy 'Jangtan Il-sung Seonjo Il-bon' written shortly before his execution, and we plan to display this calligraphy at the 'An Jung-geun Peace Center' at Paju Imjingak Peace Nuri opening in September to honor the life and independent spirit of Dr. An," emphasizing "We are also proceeding smoothly with the construction of the 'Gyeonggi Province Independence Monument.'"

Governor Kim Dong-yeon stated, "Gyeonggi Province, where 107 years ago the cry of 'Long Live Korean Independence' echoed through the heavens and beacon fires blazed on every ridge, has now become the heart of economy and industry commanding attention from the world beyond Korea, a center of innovation and challenge," and declared "I will focus intensively on creating substantial changes felt by residents so that the warmth of economic growth spreads throughout their daily lives."

Meanwhile, approximately 800 people attended the 107th Anniversary March 1st Independence Movement Memorial Ceremony, including Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon, National Assembly Members Choo Mi-ae, Kim Young-jin, and Kim Joon-hyuk, Kim Ho-dong, chairman of the Gyeonggi Branch of the Korean Independence Movement Council, council members, veterans organizations, related organizations, and peace run participants.