<Message to the People on the First Anniversary of the Revolution of Light>

Fellow citizens,
Today marks
one year since the ‘Revolution of Light’ began.

Since the start of the 21st century,
in a democracy comparable to the Republic of Korea,
it was the first time a palace coup occurred,
but it was also the first time in world history
that unarmed citizens, peacefully and beautifully,
stopped such a coup.

Paradoxically, the 12.3 coup
became an occasion to inform the world at large of
our people’s strong sense of sovereignty and
the remarkable resilience of Korea’s democracy.

When the coup erupted, our people
rushed to the National Assembly without a moment’s hesitation.

They blocked armored vehicles headed for the Assembly with their bare bodies,
protested to the police who had sealed off the legislature,
and helped lawmakers climb over the Assembly wall so that they could fulfill their constitutional duties.

That the Assembly resolved to lift martial law
and that our military faithfully carried this out under civilian control
was thanks to you, the people, stepping forward.

I also remember the young people
who stood guard all night at the Assembly gates
to prevent a possible second declaration of martial law.

I distinctly remember the citizens who,
relying on a single emergency blanket amid the pouring snow of midwinter,
held their ground on the cold asphalt.

I remember the warm hearts of those who,
apologizing for not being able to come to the rally sites,
opened their wallets and paid in advance.

I also remember the spirit of solidarity
when, even after transportation had stopped for the night,
people rushed to Namtaeryeong without hesitation to protect the farmers.

They were gravely unjust, but our people were supremely just.

The people, not with violence but with dance and song,
turned the worst moment triggered by the illegal palace coup
into the best moment.

With a brilliant spectrum of colors,
you restored light to Korea,
which had nearly been thrown back into a dark age.

I take this opportunity
to express deep gratitude to you, the great People of Korea,
who showed courageous bravery and the shining power of solidarity.

The people-sovereignty government born of the ‘Revolution of Light’
will designate December 3 as ‘People Sovereignty Day’
to honor our people’s great courage and actions.

For as long as the Republic of Korea exists,
we will commemorate together the defense of constitutional order and democracy,
and make it an occasion to pledge a stronger democracy.

The 12.3 palace coup
was not merely a crisis of democracy experienced by one nation.

As many foreign media pointed out,
had Korea’s democracy collapsed,
democratic backsliding would have occurred worldwide, beyond Asia.

Democracy is among the finest systems in history,
but it is not perfect in itself.

No matter how excellent the laws and institutions,
without the capacity of the people to support and implement them,
they are but a house built on sand.

In that sense,
the fact that our people, by peaceful means
and in accordance with procedures set by the Constitution and the law,
defeated the illegal martial law
and drove out unjust power
is a landmark event that will go down in the history of world democracy.

It proved how powerful democratic institutions and peaceful solutions can be
when realized through a people who properly exercise their sovereignty.

I am convinced that we, the People of Korea,
who overcame an unprecedented crisis of democracy in world history by peaceful means,
fully deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.

If the People of Korea receive the Nobel Peace Prize
for saving democracy, restoring peace,
and showing the greatness of democracy to the world,
it will be a major turning point
for all nations shaken by conflict and division.

Proud People of Korea,
the ‘Revolution of Light’ is not yet over.

The truth-finding regarding the insurrection,
and the investigations and trials of those involved,
are still underway.

Just as the past saved the present,
and the dead helped the living,
I believe that making the ‘Revolution of Light’ save the future
and help our descendants
is the solemn duty of the people-sovereignty government.

Stern punishment of those who took part in the palace coup
is the beginning.

Their lawlessness in destroying constitutional order for private ambition,
and even plotting war,
must be judged without fail.

To build a nation where no one can even dream of a coup,
and where no one can threaten the light of popular sovereignty,
‘just integration’ is essential.

Together with our great People of Korea,
who lit the lamp of democracy,
we will surely complete the ‘Revolution of Light’.

Fellow citizens,
since taking office and meeting heads of state on the diplomatic stage,
I have felt the world's keen interest in and high expectations for the Republic of Korea.

In this age of uncertainty,
where democracy is under threat and the world order is rapidly changing,
the world is paying attention to the great courage and resolve shown by our people.

Korea is now writing world history.

The shining example the People of Korea have shown
through the ‘Revolution of Light’
is creating a new standard for global democracy.

Just as we have blazed an unprecedented path,
the road ahead will also be one that others have not traveled.

At times a deep valley, at times a high mountain,
may stand in our way.

However, we, the People of Korea who vaulted the high wall of the palace coup,
can surmount any barrier.

I will always remember the meaning of the birth of the people-sovereignty government.

To complete the ‘Revolution of Light’,
and build a truly people-sovereign nation,
I will trust the people and advance boldly.

I will make a nation that is more prosperous, stronger, and more humane.

I believe the People of Korea will be steadfast partners
in the hopeful journey of writing a new history
for our great Republic of Korea.
Thank you.