Over 10 photos from pro-democracy movements, including 4/7 protests, to be revealed for the first time

The Democracy Movement Memorial Foundation is set to unveil a collection of over 10 previously unreleased photographs, offering a rare glimpse into South Korea's pro-democracy struggles. These historical images document key moments, including the 1975 anti-Yushin student protests and the subsequent "3.1 National Salvation Declaration" in 1976.

The foundation's online dictionary, "Dictionary of Democratization Movement," is expanding with 23 new entries. These entries detail the period of Emergency Decrees 4 through 9, a critical time in the nation's fight for democracy. The newly revealed photos provide visual evidence of the activism and resistance during this era, which had previously been largely inaccessible to the public.

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In an era where various interpretations and discussions surrounding democracy continue, the importance of public records that faithfully capture factual relationships and historical context is only growing.

Among the highlighted materials are photographs of Dong-A Ilbo reporters staging a sit-in in 1975 after issuing a "Declaration of Practice for Free Press," and images from the April 7th protest at Korea University, which served as a catalyst for Emergency Decree No. 7. The collection also includes a copy of "Saebyeok" (Dawn), an underground publication from Ewha Womans University during the period of Emergency Decree No. 9, which featured writings like Kim Chi-ha's "Declaration of Conscience."

The foundation emphasizes the growing importance of reliable historical records in an era of diverse interpretations of democracy. By systematically compiling and verifying primary sources and academic research, the online dictionary aims to become a trusted resource for the public, ensuring the democratization movement's legacy is accurately preserved and understood. The project, which began in 2020, currently includes 139 entries covering the period from the April 19 Revolution in 1960 up to the launch of the civilian government in 1993.

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The Dictionary of Democratization Movement is built based on the academic discussions of the editorial committee, selecting entries and compiling them through writing, review, and editing processes based on verified historical materials and research achievements.