ILSAN – Chang Ki-pyo:Chang Ki-pyo, a leading figure in the pro-democracy and labor movements of South Korea during the 1970s, died at the age of 78 due to gallbladder cancer. His death occurred early Sunday at a hospital in Ilsan, just north of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Chang was born in 1945 and began his higher education at Seoul National University in 1966. His activism was sparked by the self-immolation of Jeon Tae-il in 1970, a protest against the harsh conditions in a Seoul sewing factory. This event propelled Chang to become actively involved in campaigning for democracy and labor rights. During his activism, Chang endured nine years of imprisonment under the oppressive National Security Law, a period marked by harsh treatment.
Despite the challenges, Chang consistently refused any compensation for his sufferings, stating in a 2019 interview that his actions were part of his duty as a “citizen and an intellectual.” His commitment to his ideals was evident throughout his life, even as he
ventured into politics. Since 1989, Chang established several minor political parties, though he never held legislative office.
Chang Ki-pyo’s contributions to the democratic and labor rights movements in South Korea remain a significant part of his legacy, reflecting his dedication to justice and equality.