By Kim Minji

President Moon Jae-in on June 10 said, "Peace is a difficult and strenuous path, but we have to achieve peace through democracy. Only peace attained in this way will bring us long-lasting prosperity."

Paying tribute to national people of merit in a ceremony marking the 33rd anniversary of the June 10 Democratic Protest in Seoul's Namyeong-dong neighborhood, he said, "The democracy we made has turned the Republic of Korea into a model country in the fight against COVID-19. It is a democracy that all of our people have built together."

"The world is paying attention to our democracy. Amid the difficult situations caused by COVID-19, all Koreans practiced democracy by showing consideration for each other. We were the only country to successfully hold an election – the flower of democracy – during this time."

The president added, "We have to find ways to achieve mutual benefits amid conflicts and comfort amid inconvenience. This is the value of democracy."

He also asked for interest in and support for fostering Democracy and Human Rights Memorial Hall, and thanked the people for dedicating themselves to the development of democracy.

On the economy, he said, "A sustainable and more equitable economy is a substantive democracy that we must achieve without fail, moving beyond institutional democracy."

President Moon also stressed democracy in daily life.

"Democracy at home and the workplace constitutes a more mature democracy indeed. When we experience and repeatedly practice democracy in our daily lives, democracy will continue to move forward," he said. "The government will work harder to achieve democracy in everyday life."

***