The Democratic Party of Korea held a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of its founding on the 18th in the main conference hall of the National Assembly Members' Office Building and reaffirmed its commitment to democracy and a party for people's livelihoods. The event was a full house, with Party Leader Jeong Cheong-rae, Floor Leader Kim Byung-gi, party elders, sitting lawmakers, and party members in large attendance.
President Lee Jae-myung, in a congratulatory address read by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik that day, said, "Since its founding in 1955 to oppose the dictatorial rule of the Liberal Party, the Democratic Party has worked tirelessly to safeguard democracy," adding, "In particular, I pay tribute to all party members who, on the night of the 12·3 rebellion, joined hands with the people and stood up to the armed troops under martial law to defend democracy."
He went on to ask, "On the path to restoring livelihoods, achieving economic growth, and making a new leap forward for the Republic of Korea, I ask all party comrades to join forces with the people," and "Please join us on the path to opening a Korean Peninsula era of peace, coexistence, and shared growth."
Former President Moon Jae-in said in a video message, "The 70-year history of the Democratic Party is a victorious history of walking the path of democracy, people's livelihoods, and peace, on the people's side and together with the people," adding, "Thanks to the accumulated achievements of past Democratic Party governments, the Republic of Korea has risen to the ranks of advanced nations recognized by the world." He continued, "Let us all become protagonists to ensure the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and a greater leap forward for the Republic of Korea. Let us bring greater honor to the Democratic Party's history."
Party Leader Jeong Cheong-rae said, "Today is truly a proud and moving day," adding, "Let us build a 100-year history of the Democratic Party that breathes together with party members even closer to the people." He went on to say, "We will open an era of party member sovereignty befitting the era of popular sovereignty, creating a nation where the people are the owners and a party where party members are the owners," reiterating the declaration of a "party member sovereignty party."
At the venue, a specially produced virtual congratulatory video featuring AI versions of former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun was screened. Former President Kim conveyed, "The Democratic Party has proud experience of defending democracy on the people's side whenever the nation faced a crisis," while former President Roh, referring to the 12·3 martial law incident, said, "It was the moment when the organized power of awakened citizens came alive, and the day when justice prevailed." As the voices of the two former presidents rendered by AI rang out, the hall filled with cheers and applause, and Rep. Park Ji-hye, who emceed the event, grew teary-eyed.
At the subsequent special awards ceremony, three party members who devoted themselves to the Democratic Party took the stage. One member, who joined in 1958 and has been active for 67 years, shared tearfully, "My life itself was the history of the Democratic Party," while party member Shin Seon-ja, who joined in 2013 and dedicated herself to elections and community service, said, "I hope the Democratic Party can make the people happy." When an 18-year-old member said, "Even small actions create big change," expressing an ambition to contribute to the Democratic Party and society, Leader Jeong joked with a smile, "Young man, have you thought about going into politics?" prompting laughter throughout the hall.
The event also unveiled archival materials, including the Democratic Party membership statement announced by former President Kim Dae-jung in 1956.
At the ceremony, Democratic Party elders including Kwon No-gap, Lee Hae-chan, Moon Hee-sang, and Lim Chae-jung attended, along with 100-year-old "centennial party member" Chairperson Song Chun-han, adding gravitas. The Democratic Party plans to use this ceremony to reaffirm its vision of a "party member sovereignty party" and to strengthen unity to win next year's local elections and advance its reform agenda.