
By Kang Gahui and Yoon Sojung
President Moon Jae-in praised the spirit of the police for protecting the value of democracy, human rights and the daily lives of the people on Oct. 25.
At the celebration to mark the 73rd anniversary of Police Day in Seoul, President Moon said, “The proud path of the police who protect democracy, human rights and the daily lives of the people began in the provisional government of the Republic of Korea.”
The celebration took place at the Kim Koo Museum & Library inYongsan-gu District, Seoul.
Kim Gu (1876-1949), also spelled as Kim Koo, is an independence activist and a Korean politician who was one of the founders of the provisional government of Korea in Shanghai, China, during the Japanese colonial period of Korea. He also served as the premier of the Korean provisional government.
President Moon said, “On Aug. 12, 1919, 99 years ago, independence activist Kim Gu took office as the first Police Bureau Commissioner launching the police of Republic of Korea.”
“His urging to the police to take everything with the spirit of independence and patriotism has been the root of the spirit of the police today,” said the president.
“I believe he would be proud of the ‘heroes on-site’ around the country who prioritize the safety of the people over their own safety,” he added.
The event is also significant as Korea will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the provisional government of the Republic of Korea next year.
In the speech, President Moon mentioned that today is Dokdo Day. He sent special words of encouragement to the Dokdo Coast Guard of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency who protect the eastern-most territory of Korea.

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