After the liberation from Japanese colonial on August 15 , 1945, the modern history of the Republic of Korea has been unfolding alternately between hardships and frustrations, and hopes and glory. Korea could overcome the economic deprivation, political oppression, and cultural deprivation that deepened after the war because of people’s voluntary efforts to achieve democracy; the strength which allowed Korea to develop into what it is today.
 The driving force that put an end to the 12-year-long reign of the Rhee Syngman regime, the 18 years of the Park Chung-Hee dictatorship, and the 8-year tyranny of the Chun Doo-Hwan military authorities was all because of people's aspiration and courage for freedom and democracy. At every moment of historical events such as the April 19 Revolution, Busan-Masan(Bu-Ma) Democratic Uprising, the May 18 Democratic Uprising, and the June 10 Uprising, people raised up and gathered together on the streets and parks without any hesitation, shedding sweats and tears, hoping to make the country a better place. The democracy that our society enjoys today truly is a valuable result of the people's lengthy efforts.

  The democracy of society today is the result of the history made by people. The efforts and sacrifices to achieve freedom, peace, and human rights have shaped our society. People had to go through times of hardship and crisis to make changes in history. The April 19 Revolution was thwarted by the May 16 Military coup and the civil uprisings from Busan, Masan, and Gwangju were trampled by merciless soldiers.
 However, people never stopped having new hopes. In 1987, people came out to streets for democracy.

 There is a saying that ‘democracy develops by people’s blood’. The blood of citizens and students, shed by bullets of the police and martial troops at the sites of historical events such as the 4.19 Revolution and the May 18 Democratic Uprising, became the foundation for the development of Korea’s democracy. The blood of activists, shed by tortures and beatings of the police force and dictatorship, acted as an accelerator for movements and spread the spirit of democracy.
 Here are the records of people who voluntarily walked on the path of hardships, trials and tribulations, to create a “democratic world” of people. We will forever remember those who stood out whenever the country faced a crisis, those who became small lights to light up the darkness of history, and those who sacrificed themselves to make the Republic of Korea a democratic country, ruled and run by people. We will never forget the proud history that you have made through the democratization movements.
Thank you.