단상斷想

The April 19 Revolution was a democratic revolution in 1960 led by students and citizens who bravely fought against and won against the fraudulent elections and dictatorship of the Syngman Rhee government. This revolution brought several important changes to the Korean political system. The most direct change was the resignation of Syngman Rhee and the collapse of the Liberal Party regime. Afterwards, the Republic of Korea transitioned from a presidential system to a parliamentary cabinet system, and the Second Republic was launched. In this process, popular resistance to fraudulent elections and authoritarian rule was systematically reflected, emphasizing the importance of free and fair elections, and democratic procedures were restored. In addition, the April 19 Revolution became an opportunity to imprint democratic values ​​on Korean society and provided the experience that the people could directly change power. This provided the spiritual foundation for subsequent democratization movements and left a tradition of students and citizens becoming the main agents of resistance against the authoritarian system. However, there is also an assessment that the April 19 Revolution did not fundamentally change the Korean political structure itself. The existing political and economic elites and ruling forces did not change significantly, and even after the revolution, a military coup soon occurred and a military regime was established, requiring more sacrifices and struggles to establish democracy.

Looking back on the April 19 Revolution in South Korea in 2025 is not just a simple recollection of the past, but a deep reflection on the current crisis of democracy and the stagnation of national development that we are facing. The April 19 Revolution confirmed that the people are sovereign and established a tradition of resistance that does not remain silent in the face of injustice and corruption. The April 19 Revolution brought significant changes to the South Korean political system, including the restoration of democratic values and procedures, the realization of national sovereignty, and the starting point for subsequent democratization movements, and can be said to have become a decisive milestone in the development of democracy in modern Korean history. Decades later, we are now at a point where we must once again reflect on the essential values of democracy.

In recent years, far-right political forces and New Right forces have rapidly emerged in Korean society, seriously shaking the foundations of democracy. They advocate liberal democracy, but in reality, they take steps that undermine the essence of democracy, such as authoritarian rule, suppression of freedom of expression, and censorship of the press. In particular, the New Right forces advocate the shameless colonial modernization theory that glorifies the Japanese colonial rule as an opportunity for modernization, belittles the history of the independence movement, and gives legitimacy to pro-Japanese and dictatorial forces. This not only confuses the public's historical awareness and national identity, but also weakens social integration and self-esteem.

Furthermore, the far-right and New Right forces advocate neoliberal policies that deepen economic and social inequality. By prioritizing the interests of the privileged class, such as chaebols, and disregarding the rights of the socially vulnerable and workers, they are exacerbating social polarization and class conflict. Collusion with foreign powers and subservient thinking are also strengthened, threatening the nation's sovereignty. As a result, Korean society faces a serious crisis of democratic regression, social division, and stagnation of national development. This reality reminds us once again of the lesson left by the April 19 Revolution: "Democracy is achieved through fierce struggle." Democracy is not guaranteed forever once it is won, but can be threatened at any time in the face of the monopoly of power and the rise of extremism. In fact, recent polls show a sharp increase in the number of people who trust far-right conspiracy theories, and even the support base of major political parties is becoming far-right.

In times of crisis like these, the role of civic movements is more crucial and essential than ever. The April 19 Revolution was a history created by the solidarity of students and citizens, and their awakening as sovereign citizens. Even today, citizens must speak out against injustice and the erosion of democracy. Only non-violent and organized civic movements can prevent the spread of far-right politics and New Right forces, protect the essence of democracy, and set the future of the nation right. Civic movements are the only way to restore the essence of democracy, establish historical truth and social justice, defend the rights of the socially vulnerable and minorities, and protect the nation's sovereignty and unity.

Today in 2025, we must inherit the spirit of 4.19, overcome the harms of the far-right and New Right forces, and take part in the civic movement for a better future. Democracy is protected by the participation, monitoring, and solidarity of citizens. The history of the April 19 Revolution reminds us that we must choose action, not silence, in moments of crisis. This is the true inheritance of the April 19 Revolution and will be a choice that we are not ashamed of for future generations. History remembers those who act, not those who remain silent. To pass on a country we are not ashamed of to our children, today we must rise as defenders of democracy. For our country, our people, and our future!