한국의 민주화운동: 시민이 만든 역사 편집하기 (부분)

===Eng===
'''Korea’s Democratization Movements: A History Shaped by Its Citizens'''

Korea’s democratization movements represent the living history of citizens who have upheld the values of freedom, justice, and human rights in the face of authoritarian rule. From the April 19 Revolution of 1960 and the May 18 Democratic Uprising of 1980 to the June Democratic Uprising of 1987 and the candlelight demonstrations of the 2000s, Korean democracy was built upon the active participation and sacrifice of countless citizens.

The April 19 Revolution (1960) was a popular uprising led by students and citizens enraged by the electoral corruption of the Syngman Rhee regime. Protests erupted across the nation with cries of “Down with dictatorship, defend democracy,” culminating on April 19 in the resignation of the president. It is regarded as the first democratic revolution in modern Korean history in which the people themselves brought about political change.

The May 18 Democratic Uprising (1980) was a collective resistance by the citizens of Gwangju against military dictatorship. Despite violent suppression by martial law troops, the people of Gwangju maintained an autonomous civic community and defended their commitment to democracy. The spirit of resistance, known as the Gwangju Spirit, became a moral foundation for Korea’s ongoing struggles for human rights and democracy.

The June Democratic Uprising (1987) was a nationwide movement sparked by the torture and death of student activist Park Jong-cheol (1965-1987) and the subsequent death of Lee Han-yeol. Citizens filled the streets chanting “Abolish dictatorship, establish democracy,” ultimately leading to the June 29 Declaration, which promised constitutional reform and direct presidential elections—laying the institutional groundwork for democracy.

In the 2000s, the candlelight demonstrations opened a new chapter in Korean democracy. Beginning with protests in 2008 against the import of U.S. beef, the movement became a symbol of digital-era civic participation and later evolved into the Candlelight Revolution (2016-2017), which led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. The peaceful assemblies and self-governance shown by citizens gained global attention as a model of mature democratic practice.

Korea’s democratization movements are not isolated events of a specific generation or region but the accumulated history of civic solidarity and participation in pursuit of freedom and justice. They remain a living heritage that continues to guide the direction of democracy in times of social challenge.