The Donghak Peasant Revolution, which championed the ideals of freedom and equality for all, marks its 132nd anniversary this year.
On the morning of May 11, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young read a written commemorative address from President Lee Jae-myung during the 132nd anniversary ceremony held at the National Museum of Korea. He stated, "Remembering and reviving the spirit of the Donghak Peasant Revolution is essential to establishing our identity."
Minister Choi emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to share the historical significance of the Donghak Peasant Revolution with the public and to promote its spirit widely.
In his address, Choi noted that the core values of a government based on popular sovereignty resonate with the ideals of the Donghak Peasant Revolution. He explained that the spirit that has persisted through the March 1 Independence Movement, the April 19 Revolution, and the May 18 Democratic Movement has been a driving force in establishing South Korea as a model democratic nation recognized globally.
The Donghak Peasant Revolution, which took place in 1894, is recognized as a historical event where people rose against unjust realities and foreign invasions to create a better society. It is acknowledged as the first step toward democracy in South Korea. Consequently, May 11 was designated as Donghak Peasant Revolution Day in 2019. The Donghak Peasant Army achieved its first significant victory against government troops at the Battle of Hwangtohyeon on May 11, 1894.
This year's ceremony was held under the slogan "The Donghak Peasant Revolution Becomes Today's Light." It aimed to honor the noble spirit of those who dedicated themselves to the values of freedom and equality and to reinterpret its historical significance in a contemporary context. Approximately 400 attendees included descendants of the revolution participants and members of the national Donghak Peasant Revolution commemorative committee.
Shin Soon-cheol, chairman of the Donghak Foundation, and Jeong Tan-jin, head of the descendants' association, will present family registration notices to newly registered descendants this year. A commemorative performance will also take place, featuring a play by the Hanhol Theater Company and the Brillante Children's Choir, which will depict the circumstances of the time based on a letter written by Han Dal-mun, a participant in the Donghak Peasant Revolution, to his mother. Singer Ahn Yeo-eun will perform "Beautiful Country" alongside the children's choir, sharing a message of hope for the future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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