Korea’s Democratic Transformation – What I Lived Through

 

We support everyone who is fighting for democracy somewhere in the world

“How Korea evolved from dictatorship to democracy – through the eyes of someone who lived every chapter.”

1. A Childhood in the Shadow of War

I was born in a time when the scars of the Korean War were still visible everywhere. The streets were filled with ruins, and simply surviving each day was a challenge.

The Streets of Korea in the 1970s – A Time of Struggle and Simplicity

Korea was a divided nation on the front line of the Cold War, and those in power had seized control through military coups.

The Korean War of 1950 left the entire nation in ruins

Under the pretext of economic development, everything — politics, education, culture, and the economy — was tightly controlled.

The 1961 military coup crushed Korea’s fragile democracy.

As a student, I often won awards in anti-communist speech contests, essay writing, and art competitions.

In the 1970s, I was a student speaker in anti-communist contests

In high school, military training was mandatory. We practiced bayonet drills in uniform and stood in formation as if it were normal.

In the 1970s, all high school students received military training

Back then, all of this was simply accepted as the way things were.

2. Youth Awakening to Truth

It wasn’t until I entered university that I began to clearly see the structure of our society and its political reality.
The 1980s were a time of constant tension. The streets were filled with tear gas as young people rose up against military dictatorship. We distributed handwritten leaflets and resisted in the only ways we could.

In the 1980s, students like me rose up against military dictatorship

As university students, our generation felt a deep responsibility to build a better society — and we spoke the truth with conviction.

Then, in 1987, we finally toppled the dictatorship with our bare hands.
That year, for the first time, the people of Korea won the right to directly elect the president.

In 1987, democracy was finally won after over 20 years of struggle

             

I still remember the eyes of the citizens I met on the streets that day — full of courage, hope, and determination.

3. The Roots and Growth of Democracy

Korean democracy was not built in a day.
It was rooted in the April 19 Revolution of 1960, the Gwangju Democratic Uprising of 1980, and the June Democratic Movement of 1987 — through countless sacrifices and tireless efforts.

Gwanghwamun Street in May 2025 – peaceful and free

Political progress came hand in hand with economic development. Today, we live in a nation where peaceful transitions of power through elections are the norm.

But even now, the ideological divides and political conflicts — remnants of the Cold War — still linger.
It is one of the painful realities we continue to endure as a nation born of war and division.

In December 2024, citizens peacefully defeated martial law near the National Assembly.

                    4. The Road Ahead

Democracy is not a destination — it is an ongoing process.
Now, we must strive to create a more mature political culture.
Instead of fighting along partisan lines, we must learn to dialogue and compromise.
Rather than ideology, we must prioritize a sense of community and shared responsibility.

In June 2025, Korea achieved yet another peaceful transfer of power

There are still wounds and distrust in our society.

But I believe we also possess the strength to overcome them.

5. A Message to Global Citizens

Even today, there are many countries still struggling against dictatorship.
Some are enduring wars and unimaginable hardship.
Thinking of the citizens of those nations brings pain to my heart.

From what I have experienced, I can say this with certainty: Democracy never arrives overnight.

But when the will of ordinary citizens comes together, no change is impossible.

Today’s Korea stands as living proof of that truth.
To all those around the world who continue to fight for freedom and justice,
I send you my deepest words of encouragement and hope:

“Stay strong. Korea understands your journey — and we stand with you.”

The people of Korea support your fight. Stay strong