No. 2 A series of events held to honor the spirit of the April 18 Uprising of KU students
“I firmly believe that Korea University’s ascendance as a beacon of hope for all humanity
will be the true legacy of the April 18 Uprising, which took place 64 years ago.”
The Wreath-Laying Ceremony and the 4.18 Marathon took place.

▲ Participants of the wreath-laying ceremony, including Jang Gyeong-Woo (Chairman of the April 19th Revolution-KU, fifth from the left on the first row) and Kim Dong-one (KU President, sixth from the left on the first row),  

are taking a commemorative photo in front of the 4.18 Monument.

A series of commemorative events were organized to mark the 64th anniversary of the Korea University students’ uprising on April 18, 1960, an event that ignited the April 19 Revolution.

On Tuesday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m., Korea University hosted a wreath-laying ceremony at the 4.18 Monument. The ceremony saw the participation of notable figures from various sectors, including Korea University President Kim Dong-one, Senior Vice Chairman Han Yoon-sang of the Bosung College Alumni Association, Chairman Jang Gyeong-Woo for the April 19th Revolution-KU, Chairman Lee Dong-eun of the Society of KU Student Council Presidents, and President Kim Seo-young of the Seoul Campus Student Council. Together, they honored the memory and sacrifices of the Korea University students involved in the April 18 Uprising.

▲ KU President Kim Dong-one laying a wreath in front of the April 18 Memorial

KU President Kim Dong-one remarked, “64 years ago, on April 18, over 3,000 Korea University students marched to Gwanghwamun, bearing the banner of ‘Freedom, Justice, and Truth.’ They opened the first chapter of Korea’s journey towards democratization, transforming an era of injustice into an era of justice. The bravery and sacrifice of the KU students on that day served as a direct catalyst for the April 19 Revolution that followed the next day. The spirit of the April 18 Uprising has become a foundation stone for the Republic of Korea along its journey to emerge as a truly democratic nation. With Korea University leading the way, awakened students and citizens were empowered to rise as protagonists in a free and just democratic society, marking the dawn of a whole new era in Korean history.”

President Kim went on to say, “Just as the April 18 uprising heralded a new era for South Korea, Korea University, which will celebrate its 120th anniversary next year, is poised to make groundbreaking strides. We aim to evolve beyond a national institution into a university that contributes significantly to the future of global society, securing our place as an indispensable entity on the world stage. I firmly believe that Korea University, once the hope of our nation, will now ascend as a beacon of hope for all humanity. This, I believe, is how we truly inherit the spirit of the April 18 Uprising.”

▲ Chairman Jang Gyeong-Woo of the April 19th Revolution-KU delivering a speech

Chairman Jang Gyeong-Woo of the April 19th Revolution-KU, stated, “64 years ago today, it was from Korea University that the nation’s journey towards democratization began, passing through Seoul City Hall. This path was marked by the sacrifices of many. We annually recall those sacrifices through the April 18 wreath-laying ceremony. The late Lee Ki-taek, a former president of Korea University, established the April 19th Revolution-KU to rejuvenate our spirit. Our predecessors not only brought honor to our school but also led the democratization movement of our country. Today, we honor the spirit and courage of those we proudly remember and pledge to uphold their legacy with unwavering determination.”

▲ Students participating in the 4.18 Marathon in commemoration of the 64th anniversary of the April 18 Uprising of KU students

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, the 4.18 Marathon began at 12:30 p.m. Korea University students, organized by their respective colleges, departed from the main gate of the university and made their way to the April 19th National Cemetery in Suyu-dong, Seoul. There, they paid their respects at the 4.19 Student Revolution Monument.