Civic Groups Demand Constitutional Recognition for Busan and May 18 Movements with Head-Shaving Protest

In a powerful display of commitment, members of the May 18 Democratization Movement and the Busan Democracy Movement gathered in front of the National Assembly, performing a symbolic head-shaving protest. Their demand is clear: the spirit and legacy of these pivotal historical events must be enshrined in the preamble of the South Korean constitution. This action is a direct appeal to the National Assembly to swiftly pass the constitutional amendment bill and, crucially, to secure the participation of lawmakers from the People Power Party in the upcoming vote.

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We must complete the democratic constitution by including Busan and May in the constitution.

Speakers at the rally articulated the profound significance of these movements. Yoon Nam-sik, president of the May 18 Democratization Movement Merit Awardees Association, described the 1979 Busan protests as the 'sacred anger of citizens that toppled Yushin dictatorship' and the 1980 Gwangju Uprising as a 'noble sacrifice that defended human dignity against state violence.' He stressed that these were not mere regional incidents but 'great histories that protected the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea and established the sovereignty of the people.'

Chung Kwang-min, chairman of the 10.16 Busan Democracy Movement Commemorative Association, added that embedding the Busan and May 18 movements in the constitution's preamble is more than a textual addition; it is a 'solemn promise that the state will never betray its people again' and a 'historical declaration that embeds the roots of democracy in the constitution.' He urged the constitution to move beyond the limitations of the 1987 system and progress into the future.

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The 1979 Busan Democracy Movement was the sacred anger of citizens that toppled the Yushin dictatorship, and the 1980 May 18 Democratization Movement was a noble sacrifice that defended human dignity against state violence.

Im Hyun-sook, secretary-general of the Civic Initiative for Constitutional Amendment, directly challenged the People Power Party, demanding they cease their 'silence and evasion' and fulfill their promise. She stated that constitutional amendment is not an option but a responsibility, and participation is a 'historical obligation beyond political advantage or disadvantage.' Yang Jae-hyuk, president of the May 18 Bereaved Families Association, vowed to continue their actions until the 'cries of Busan become the constitution and the sacrifices of May become the state's promise,' emphasizing a transition 'beyond memory to constitution, beyond sacrifice to state responsibility.'

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Embedding Busan and May in the constitution's preamble is not just adding words; it is a solemn promise that the state will never betray its people again and a historical declaration that embeds the roots of democracy in the constitution.

The Hankyoreh, reporting on this crucial moment, recognizes the deep historical resonance of these movements within South Korea. While international coverage might focus on the political maneuvering, for Koreans, these events represent foundational struggles for democracy and human rights. The demand to include them in the constitution is a powerful assertion of national identity and a commitment to ensuring past atrocities are never repeated. This push for constitutional recognition is a uniquely Korean narrative, reflecting a society actively grappling with its history to build a more just future.

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The People Power Party must immediately fulfill its promise to include Busan and May in the constitution's preamble. Stop ignoring the people's sacrifices with silence and evasion. Constitutional amendment is not an option but a responsibility, and participation is a historical obligation beyond political advantage or disadvantage.