β The 77th Anniversary of the Constitution, a Symbol of Rule of Law and Popular Sovereignty β
Every year on July 17, South Korea commemorates Constitution Day (μ νμ , Jeheonjeol). This day marks the historic moment in 1948 when the country’s first Constitution was enacted, laying the foundation for a democratic nation. The year 2025 marks the 77th anniversary of the Constitutionβs proclamation.
β The History of Constitution Day: Building a New Nation After Liberation
After Koreaβs liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, the Korean Peninsula faced division and turmoil, requiring a new national framework. In May 1948, a Constitutional Assembly was formed, and on July 17 of the same year, the Constitution was enacted and proclaimed, officially launching the government of the Republic of Korea.
This Constitution declared in Article 1:
βThe Republic of Korea shall be a democratic republic. Sovereignty resides in the people.β
through which the founding of a nation governed by its citizens was formally declared.
β The Philosophy of the Korean Constitution
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea is founded on the core values of freedom, equality, protection of human rights, and the rule of law.
Having gone through the painful histories of Japanese occupation and the Korean War, Korean society regards the Constitution not merely as a legal text, but as a spiritual pillar that safeguards liberty and dignity.
The Constitution also guarantees a wide range of rights for all citizens, including education, labor, welfare, and the environment. Through these guarantees, Korean society has rapidly refined its institutions and expanded democracy through legal reforms.
β The Meaning of Constitution Day in Korean Society
Constitution Day is a time for Korean citizens to reflect on the importance of the Constitution. Every year, a commemorative ceremony is held at the National Assembly, and institutions such as the Constitutional Court and other major agencies host exhibitions, civic education sessions, and public forums to promote constitutional values.
In addition, programs such as Constitution Camps and Mock Legislation Experiences are operated so that youth and citizens can directly engage with and better understand the Constitution.
Although Constitution Day has not been a public holiday since 2008, and often passes quietly in everyday life, its meaning remains central in Korean society.
β Democracy Is a Living Promise
South Korea is a country that achieved industrialization and democratization in a short time, and the Constitution has served as a guiding milestone throughout this development. Constitution Day reminds the nation that democracy is not something given overnight, but a living promise that must be continuously upheld by its people.
Today, the Republic of Korea has established itself globally as a nation committed to democracy and the rule of law, and Constitution Day serves as a symbolic occasion that reflects this identity and philosophy.
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