<Read by Minister Won Sei-hoon of Public Administration and Security at a Ceremony at the Seoul Press Center Commemorating the June 10 Democratic Struggle>

Fellow citizens and democratization activists gathered here today,

Standing up against the authoritarian regime 21 years ago, we joined forces to firmly uphold democracy in the country. I pray for the repose of the souls of those who died for the nation’s democracy. I also pay heartfelt tribute to those who dedicated themselves to the nation’s democratization and their bereaved families.

The June 10 Democratic Struggle enabled us to open a new chapter in our history of genuine democratization. Ever since then, we have been able to build a more mature democracy.

The military has maintained steadfast political neutrality, local autonomy has taken root and peaceful changes of administrations have helped to preserve the democratic, constitutional order.

Now is the time for us to sublimate the spirit and passion of the June Democratic Struggle into a prime mover making Korea a leading, advanced nation. Going beyond the era of confrontational ideologies, we should usher in an era of advancement based on unity and mutual respect.

To this end, we should all join efforts to upgrade our conduct and way of thinking. We need to change the existing practices and legal system as well as institutions to meet the standards of an era of advancement. Let us all move forward onto the path toward advancement through reforms and transformation with a creative and pragmatic attitude.

My fellow Koreans,

The current economic conditions inside and outside the country are very difficult. We are now faced with a crisis of natural resources, which is comparable to the oil shocks in the 1970s and the financial crisis in the 1990s.

Over the past year, the price of oil on the international market has almost doubled. Still worse, the rising price of grains and raw materials knows no limit. The resulting hike in consumer prices and gradual contraction of business conditions are combined to pose daunting challenges for the nation’s economy. Before it is too late, all economic entities of the nation have to renew their determination to cope with current crisis.

What we are called upon to do now is to take a proactive attitude to turn this crisis into an opportunity. We have to improve our nation’s economic fundamentals to make it far stronger than that of other countries. At the same time, we need to exert efforts to give a new face to outdated parts of society. Only then will we be able to seize the chance to stay ahead of other countries, thus facilitating the nation’s entry into the ranks of advanced nations.

The Government will do its best to relieve the difficulties the people are facing and to care for underprivileged citizens in particular. On the 8th of this month, the Government announced comprehensive measures for stabilizing everyday lives in connection with the soaring gasoline prices. The Government has decided to spend over 10 trillion won based on the judgment that everyday hardships have become serious due to the skyrocketing fuel prices. Our best efforts will be exerted to energize the economy, especially for ordinary citizens.

The Government promises to listen to the voice of the people with an even more humble attitude and heed their wishes more proactively.

We have a proud tradition of overcoming crises by uniting as one when the country was faced with difficulties. This is the very time we all should join forces. This is the truly meaningful way to observe the June 10 Democratic Struggle.

Let us all emulate the passion and unity we demonstrated on that 10th day of June, overcome the pending economic crisis and build up an advanced leading country.

Thank you very much.