Choo Mi-ae: "When Power is Seized, Laws are Distorted and Corrupt Cartels Flourish... Justice Must Flow Like Water Through Democratization"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae attended the 'Gyeonggi Province Democracy Movement Martyrs Memorial Service' held on the 12th at the Democracy Martyrs' tomb area in Moran Park, Namyangju, where she paid tribute to those who sacrificed for democracy and offered consolation to bereaved families.

The memorial service was held under the auspices and organization of the Suwon Democracy Movement Heritage Succession Association, with approximately 100 people in attendance, including bereaved families of democracy movement martyrs and related organizations.

Governor Choo offered incense and flowers before the graves of the democracy martyrs, and in her memorial address stated, "I just watched a spirit-consoling dance asking for the courage of our democracy spirits to guide us in what we must do. I truly feel remorseful." She continued, "Through elections, we have democratized to the point where we can elect presidents with our own hands. But then, what must we do after elections? We must respect the will of the sovereign people. That is why democratization is an ongoing process."

Governor Choo further emphasized, "Remembrance is never merely a ritual. We cannot think our duty is complete simply by offering a single flower. If we cannot solve the challenges before us, we cannot come here with confidence and a smile." She added, "Democratization means that justice for the people's livelihood flows like a river."

She continued, "The greatest challenge facing the Republic of Korea is that corruption cartels and elite cartels—those who seize power, sit at the top of the food chain, take away the sweat and labor of the people, and mock laws and institutions—are growing ever more powerful. In a situation where climate crisis looms and the AI era hastens our steps, these corruption cartels must prioritize the duties of the times before safeguarding their own power."

Gyeonggi Province is supporting the 2026 'Gyeonggi Province Democracy Movement Commemorative Project' with 300 million won in provincial funds to inherit the history and spirit of the democracy movement and share the values of democracy with residents. The project is implemented by selecting private subsidy recipients through public competition, and is characterized not only by memorial and commemorative events but also by joint implementation of education for future generations, intergenerational communication, and cultural projects.

Major projects for this year consist of commemorative and memorial events such as △the 6·10 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Ceremony △Democracy Movement Martyrs Memorial Service △World Democracy Day Commemoration Ceremony and International Democracy Forum, and resident participation-oriented cultural and educational projects including △Future Generation Democracy Video Contest △Youth and Democracy Elder Generation Dialogue Sessions △Democracy History Photo Traveling Exhibition △Democracy History Exploration Tours.

천의현 대표이사 euihyun@suwonilbo.kr