From Martial Law on December 3 to ‘National Sovereignty Day’... Will It Become a Public Holiday? [What Do You Think?]

[Financial News] President Lee Jae-myung has expressed his intention to designate December 3, the anniversary of last year’s martial law, as the official public holiday ‘National Sovereignty Day’, sparking ongoing debate over the proposal.

On December 3, President Lee officially announced at the Office of the President of South Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, during the ‘First Anniversary of the Luminous Revolution, Presidential Special Address to the Nation’, his intention to designate December 3 as ‘National Sovereignty Day’.
President Lee stated, “The government born from the Luminous Revolution will designate December 3 as ‘National Sovereignty Day’ to honor the great courage and actions of our people,” adding, “It is important to establish it as a legal public holiday so that citizens can reflect on this day at least once a year.”
He further explained that making December 3 a legal holiday is intended to ensure that this historical experience is remembered and passed down to future generations. He noted, “Designating a commemorative day requires legislative procedures in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, but the decision will ultimately reflect the will of the people.”
Previously, President Lee remarked, “Overturning illegal martial law and ousting unjust power is a historic event that will be remembered in the annals of global democracy,” and added, “I am convinced that the people of Korea are fully deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.”

President Lee’s remarks about designating ‘National Sovereignty Day’ as a legal public holiday have sparked heated debate among the public. On December 4, social media and online platforms saw a sharp divide between those supporting and opposing the proposal to make December 3 a public holiday.

Supporters argue, “As it is a historic day that all Koreans should remember, it must be designated as a public holiday to ensure it is remembered by future generations,” and, “We must remember this day to prevent martial law from ever recurring.”
Opponents counter that, “There is insufficient public consensus to make it a legal public holiday.” Others point out, “Neither the April 19 Revolution nor the Gwangju Democratization Movement are public holidays, so why should December 3 martial law be?” and, “Revive existing holidays first.”
Whether President Lee’s proposal will lead to actual legislative discussions and social consensus remains to be seen, depending on future political developments.
bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter