On the 3rd, the Mayor and County Council of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province issued a statement marking the one-year anniversary of the '12.3 Emergency Martial Law Incident,' expressing their commitment to fully restore the democratic constitutional order and prepare for a new future for the region.

In the statement, the Council emphasized, "A year ago, despite the night of fear and confusion, the citizens stood in front of tanks and upheld the democratic constitution by holding millions of candles on the cold streets," highlighting it as the strength of the people that has been passed down through history, including the April 19th Revolution, and the power of the citizens who protected the region without wavering.

The Council expressed deep gratitude to the citizens for uniting with local governments, councils, and civil society to safeguard regional order and safety even in times of crisis. They stated, "Even in difficulties, we have risen again, and together with the government, we are taking steps towards the recovery of the livelihood economy and the normalization of the country."

However, they pointed out that the wounds of the emergency martial law still remain. The Council stated, "Even after a year, the specialized court for insurrection has not been established," and emphasized the need for institutional and political decisions to establish the truth of that day and fully restore the democratic constitutional order.

The Council declared, "We will continue to strive for the complete cessation of the insurrection as demanded by the citizens through the 'Revolution of Light,' and for the restoration of the democratic constitutional order," emphasizing leading future strategies such as energy transition and AI transition to prepare for a new hope for the region.

The statement concluded with the words, "Although it is winter again, spring will soon come," stating, "We will vigorously move forward with the citizens towards the spring of hope."

This statement was participated by all 14 mayors and county heads of the 14 cities and counties in Jeonbuk, including former Jeonju Mayor Woo Beom-gi, Gunsan Mayor Kang Im-joon, and Iksan Mayor Jung Heon-yul.