PM says spirit of June 10 democracy uprising should be passed on

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo gives a speech during a ceremony marking the 37th anniversary of the 1987 pro-democracy uprising at Seoul City Hall, June 10. Yonhap

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo called Monday for inheriting and developing the "noble spirit" of the June 10, 1987, pro-democracy uprising that is often considered a turning point in the country's democratization.

Han made the remark during a ceremony marking the 37th anniversary of the uprising, which saw large numbers of students and citizens take to the streets in protest against the military-backed government of President Chun Doo-hwan.

"The noble spirit of the June 10 pro-democracy movement is a valuable inheritance that we should pass on and develop," he said at the ceremony held at Seoul City Hall. "Our government is doing its best to build a free and just nation, a peaceful and prosperous nation, based on a more mature democracy."

Han credited the uprising with helping establish the foundation for democracy in all areas, including through the introduction of a direct presidential election system.

He said the current administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol is working to guarantee the people's sovereignty in all sectors, revive people's livelihoods, better support vulnerable groups, and realize social integration. (Yonhap)