Indelible June Popular Resistance

The June popular resistance, 32 years ago, was the eruption of south Korean people’s pent-up wrath at the Chun Doo-hwan military junta which had engrossed in unprecedented sycophancy, fascist oppression and anti-reunification moves. From June 10 to 29, more than three million people of different strata took part in the resistance to blow up governing bodies and throw hundreds of police vehicles into the fire. Frightened by the south Korean people’s dynamic action aspiring after independence, democracy and reunification, the US and Chun military junta bent their knees to the people by publishing “a special declaration” the core of which is the introduction of a direct presidential election on June 29.   The June popular resistance delivered a staggering blow to the US and the south Korean military dictatorial force and left an indelible trace as it brought about a fresh turn in the struggle against the US and fascism. Many years have passed since the resistance, however, the martyrs' desire for independence, democracy and reunification has not yet been realized. Chun and the LKP group have made desperate efforts to revive dark age of the past. Current situation proves that neither independence nor democracy nor national reunification can be achieved unless the vicious challenges of the LKP are frustrated. Civic organizations and people of various circles including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and April 16 Solidarity are staging candlelight resistance and demonstrations, describing the “journey for people” launched by the LKP as a deception of the public and an insult to the candlelight resistance.  Meantime, articles encouraging the participation of candlelight resistance by broad segments of people are being posted on the websites day after day. Marking the 32nd anniversary of the June popular resistance, many civic organizations are sponsoring various kinds of events in Seoul and across south Korea to conduct a nationwide campaign to dissolve the LKP.