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

SEOUL, 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. Source: Yonhap News Agency