Myanmar Spring Revolution organizations and Korean civil society groups jointly held a press conference and submitted a petition to the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, on the 37th anniversary of the 8888 Uprising, calling for the Korean government’s increased attention to Myanmar’s democratic struggle. The petition emphasized that the military council’s recent actions are merely deceptive maneuvers, particularly highlighting that their proposed election is not aimed at establishing democracy but rather an attempt to legitimize their military coup. The document noted that South Korea has consistently stood with the Myanmar people throughout the four-year struggle for democracy, with President Yoon Suk-yeol himself having expressed support for Myanmar’s democratic movement during his previous role as a provincial governor.
The petition detailed how international attention and humanitarian assistance have gradually diminished as the Spring Revolution has prolonged. It urged the Korean government to maintain its firm stance in support of the Myanmar people’s democratic aspirations and explicitly called for avoiding any engagement with the military council. The document emphasized the importance of South Korea’s role in supporting Myanmar’s transition to democracy, noting that the current situation requires renewed international focus and support. The petitioners stressed that the military council’s recent actions, including their proposed electoral process, are merely attempts to maintain their grip on power rather than genuine steps toward democratic reform.
During the press conference, U Win Paw Maung, a representative from the National Unity Government (NUG) office in Korea, spoke about the historical significance of the 8888 Uprising. He emphasized that the 8888 Movement represents a crucial turning point in Myanmar’s democratic journey, and the current Spring Revolution serves as its culminating battle. He asserted that the spirit of 8888 would forever remain in the hearts of Myanmar’s people, driving their continued struggle for democracy. The presentation reinforced the call for the Korean government to take more concrete actions in support of Myanmar’s democracy movement while maintaining a clear position of non-engagement with the military council, which continues to suppress the will of the Myanmar people through various forms of oppression and violence.
