Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) President Yang O-bong received a commendation plaque from the Jeonbuk Democratic Movement Commemoration Association (Chairman Lee Seok-hwan) at the "39th Anniversary June 10 Democratic Uprising Jeonbuk Commemoration" held at Pungnammun Square in Jeonju on June 10 at 7:00 p.m., in recognition of his contributions to promoting democratic values and preserving the spirit of the pro-democracy movement.

President Yang was highly praised for his sustained dedication to projects aimed at preserving and passing on the historical value of the pro-democracy movement in the Jeonbuk region.

In particular, he has maintained consistent interest in and support for commemorative projects honoring the sublime sacrifice of the late Lee Se-jong, the first victim of the May 18 Democratic Movement, and for transmitting that legacy to future generations.

Lee was a student in the Department of Agronomy at JBNU at the time and holds symbolic significance in the history of the pro-democracy movement in Jeonbuk.

JBNU established a memorial space for Lee Se-jong within the newly constructed student town to honor his noble will and to provide an educational setting where students can encounter the spirit of democratization.

In addition, JBNU renamed the road connecting the university's former main gate to the student town "Isejong-ro" and plans to create an exhibition space in the JBNU History Hall, scheduled to open this year, that will present the development of the pro-democracy movement in the Jeonbuk region.

Earlier, in November of last year, JBNU opened the "Han Seung-heon Library" within the Law School to commemorate the late human rights lawyer Han Seung-heon (1934–2022) and to carry on his legacy.

At the commemoration, President Yang stated, "The June 10 Democratic Uprising is a great milestone of democracy created by all the people of the Republic of Korea, transcending any single generation or region," and emphasized, "Even now, 39 years later, democracy matures through continual reflection, participation, and mutual respect."

He added, "As a national flagship university, JBNU will do its utmost to pass on democratic values and community spirit to future generations and to work with the local community to build a better society."

Meanwhile, the commemoration, organized by the Jeonbuk Democratic Movement Commemoration Association, was held under the theme 'Overcoming Internal Strife, Re-affirming Democracy,' and was followed by a provincial cultural festival.