[LETTERS TO THE EDITOR]Freedom is still in danger

I was deeply touched by your article on the 18th anniversary of the June Resistance of 1987 (“Yonsei Student’s Ultimate Sacrifice Gets Due Tribute,” June 28). Born in 1987, the year that the resistance took place, I have always taken it for granted that my country was a democracy. I have never questioned the origins of it.
Some people believe that democracy was the blessed result of Korea’s diplomatic relations with the United States. But your article has shed light on the truth about the origins of my country’s democracy: it was not given to us, but was bought by us. I now wonder what Korea would have looked like if it were not for the thousands of students who protested for their liberty and democracy, shouting “End the dictatorship!” The very thought gives me chills down my spine.
In this sense, the current trend in Korea is very disturbing. President Roh Moo-hyun is initiating moves to restrict press freedom, even trying to limit the market shares of news media that criticize his administration the most. This can only be seen as a slap in the face to those who have shed blood for Korea’s democracy. Let us no longer be indifferent to the disturbing signs of infringement upon our freedom and democracy, but rather, fight fervently against it.
Lee Han-yeol, and the many others who died for Korea’s democracy, rest in peace.

by Chung Yoo-jin