President Lee: June 10 Movements Marked Days of National Sovereignty

by Kim Bongcheol Posted : June 10, 2026, 16:06Updated : June 10, 2026, 16:06
President Lee Jae-myung delivers remarks at a dinner meeting with expatriates in Brussels, Belgium, on June 9.
President Lee Jae-myung delivers remarks at a dinner meeting with expatriates in Brussels, Belgium, on June 9. [Photo=Yonhap News]
President Lee Jae-myung highlighted the significance of the June 10 Democratic Uprising and the June 10 Manse Movement, which mark their 39th and 100th anniversaries, respectively. He stated, "Although these two events occurred 61 years apart and may seem like different histories, they share a commonality as days when 'national sovereignty' was clearly manifested."

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), President Lee noted, "The June 10 Manse Movement in 1926 was a unifying independence movement that transcended ideology, religion, and generations among our people."

He elaborated, saying, "Despite oppression and surveillance from Japanese colonial rule, our forebears took to the streets to shout for the independence of Korea and the dignity of our nation, igniting the flames of the independence movement across the country."

He continued, "Sixty-one years later, the June 10 Democratic Uprising in 1987 was another moment when the people became the main agents of history. Citizens united in demanding a constitutional amendment for direct presidential elections and the realization of democracy, which allowed South Korea to end military dictatorship and move toward democracy."

President Lee added, "And on December 3, 2024, our people once again demonstrated the meaning and value of sovereignty by defending democracy with their bare hands. Looking back at history, the strength that achieved our nation's independence and the strength that built and protected democracy all came from the people."

He pledged, "The 'People's Sovereignty Government' will continue to faithfully uphold the will of the people, the true owners of South Korea, and further develop democracy."

Additionally, he promised, "I will work to improve the lives of the people, ensure their safety, and lead us toward a peaceful and prosperous future."




* This article has been translated by AI.