The Korean Senior Citizens Association, the Korean Liberation Association, the Republic of Korea Constitutional Association, the Korean Veterans Association, the Korean Association for the United Nations, and Buhyung Group have launched a joint campaign to highlight the role of the United Nations (UN) in conjunction with Constitution Day, advocating for the designation of 'UN Day' (October 24) as a national holiday.
On July 17, these organizations announced their campaign under the theme 'On Constitution Day, the UN was with the establishment of the Republic of Korea's Constitution.'
This campaign aims to reflect on the role of the UN Temporary Commission on Korea (UNTCOK) in the establishment of South Korea's Constitution and government, as well as the significance of UN military participation during the Korean War.
They noted that on May 10, 1948, the first democratic general election in South Korea was held with the support of UNTCOK, leading to the establishment of the Constitutional Assembly, which proclaimed the Constitution on July 17 of the same year. They emphasized that the establishment of the South Korean government on August 15 completed the constitutional order of a sovereign nation.
Furthermore, they stated that the UN forces participated in the Korean War, which broke out two years after the establishment of the government in 1950, under a resolution from the UN Security Council, helping to protect the existence of South Korea. A total of 60 countries supported South Korea, with 16 providing combat support, 6 offering medical assistance, and 38 supplying materials and financial aid, resulting in approximately 1.98 million troops participating and over 40,000 casualties.
Considering this historical context, the organizations stressed that Constitution Day should be a day to remember not only the enactment of the Constitution but also the role of the UN that made it possible. They argued that South Korea, being the only nation that established a government through democratic elections with UN support and defended its sovereignty through the sacrifices of UN forces, deserves national recognition.
Additionally, they explained that South Korea designated October 24, the UN's founding day, as 'UN Day' and celebrated it as a public holiday from 1950 until it was removed from the holiday list in 1976 in protest against North Korea's membership in UN-affiliated organizations.
Lee Joong-geun, chairman of Buhyung Group, stated, "Since Constitution Day commemorates the proclamation of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, it is necessary to remember and honor the role of the UN as well. The proposal to designate 'UN Day' as a national holiday is to remember the sacrifices of the UN that dedicated themselves to the birth and preservation of South Korea and to pass on the values of historical facts and gratitude to future generations."
He added, "Gratitude and respect for the UN will serve as a valuable diplomatic asset to strengthen friendships with the countries that helped us in the past and will be a diplomatic stepping stone for the future. We must recognize, respect, and be thankful to the UN."
Meanwhile, Lee Joong-geun, who also serves as the president of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, is expanding a membership drive aiming to reach 8 million members by September.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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