Contemporary
1970년사회
Jeon Tae-il's Self-Immolation and Launch of the Saemaul Movement
Worker Jeon Tae-il set himself on fire demanding compliance with the Labor Standards Act, igniting the labor movement; in the same year, the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) was launched to modernize rural Korea.
Key developments
- 전태일 분신Jeon Tae-il's Sacrifice
In 1970, worker Jeon Tae-il set himself ablaze demanding enforcement of labor law, exposing harsh working conditions.
- 노동운동의 각성Awakening of Labor
His death became a symbol that awakened Korea's labor movement and awareness of human rights.
- 새마을운동 시작Saemaul Movement Begins
That same year, the Saemaul (New Village) Movement launched to modernize rural areas under the slogan of diligence, self-help, and cooperation.