Remembering a Martyr of Democracy

REMEMBERING A MARTYR OF DEMOCRACY

Democracy came to South Korea in 1987, after many years of peoples’ struggle

against dictatorship. It is important to remember that struggle, and how the rights

have been achieved at great cost.

On Maundy Thursday, March 28, special memorial services were held for the important

journalist and activist for democracy, Jang JunHa, who had died in 1975, as he played a

leadership role in the actions against dictator Park Chung Hee. Two days before, on March

26, 2013, the results of a forensic investigation into the death of Jang, had declared him the

victim of homicide.

Jang had been a leading character in the resistance to the dictatorial Yushin Constitution,

which was brought into effect under President Park in 1972. He was winner of the

prestigious Magsaysay Award for Literature. He was imprisoned 9 times under Park’s

regime, released for the last time in Dec., 1974. In 1975 his body was found dead near a

mountain outside Seoul. The government ruled his death the result of a mountain-climbing

accident.

However, in August last year, Jang’s remains were relocated, and were seen for the first

time in 37 years. At that time, it was noted that there was a fracture on his skull that would

indicate a blow to the head. Family members asked President Lee Myung Bak to order an

investigation. They were supported by citizens groups and the opposition party. Finally, in

Dec., Jang’s remains were disinterred and submitted for examination.

A citizens’ coalition vowed to recognize this important occasion. A number of faith groups

were asked to lead memorial services in these days. NCCK held the first, at City Hall Plaza

at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, led by members of the Justice and Peace Committee. The

sermon by Chairperson Rev. Huh Won Bae was entitled “the bones cry out”. Memorial

address was given by Rev. Park Deok Shin, himself an activist in the democracy movement.

That afternoon a later service was held by Catholics, the next day by Won Buddhists and

Buddhists.

By these memorials the participants recommitted themselves to the ideals for which Jang

Jun Ha had died.