The phrase 'Eui-hyeol Chung-Ang' is both the school motto and the representative ideology of Chung-Ang University. The term ‘Eui-hyeol Chung-Ang’ symbolizes 'blood shed for justice,' and its significance can be found in a monument on campus, the 'Eui-hyeol Tower.' In this article, CAH introduces the meaning and the essence of the Eui-hyeol Tower to Chung-Ang University students who might not be aware of its existence.
Significance of Eui-hyeol Tower
To understand the meaning of the Eui-hyeol Tower, you must learn about the April 19th Revolution, a pro-democracy movement that took place in South Korea on April 19th, 1960. Led by students and citizens, the revolution arose in opposition to the dictatorial regime of President Syngman Rhee. Many university students raised their voices for the establishment of democracy but tragically sacrificed themselves in the process. Chung-Ang University students also participated in the protests, adopting the motto, "Life for justice and life for truth” as their slogan for the student movement. During the protests, several university students lost their lives, including six from Chung-Ang University. This number was second only to Seoul National University in terms of the highest casualties among universities during the revolution. The Eui-hyeol Tower was built to honor the revolutionary spirit and sacrifice of those six students: Go Byeong-rae, Kim Tae-nyeon, Seo Hyeon-moo, Song Gyu-seong, Jeon Moo-young, and Ji Yeong-heon, who fought for justice. The names of these brave students who fought for democracy are inscribed on the middle of the tower. Notably, Kim Tae-nyeon and Seo Hyeon-moo are currently buried together at the April 19th National Cemetery. In a poignant story, the parents of these two young students decided to marry their spirits to console their souls and resolve the sorrow and resentment caused by their untimely deaths.
Location and Contents of Eui-hyeol Tower
The Eui-hyeol Tower is located at the heart of Chung-Ang University's campus. Going down the stairs from the Central Library, you will find it on your right. Situated between the Central Library and the main gate, it stands tall like a park with a substantial tower. This tower, known as the Eui-hyeol Tower, has a gravestone which explains the purpose of its construction and the intention to remember those who lost their lives. The epitaph was written by Cho Byeong-hwa, at that time a professor of Korean literature and poet. His epitaph expresses sorrow for the loss of six dear friends who sacrificed themselves for the freedom, democracy, and prosperity of the country. Behind the tower, visitors can observe bust sculptures and the Eui-hyeol memorial stone of the six students who lost their lives during the protests. There's also a sculpture depicting a scene from the demonstrations, showing individuals carrying an injured protester. In this way, visitors can connect with the memories of the six Chung-Ang University students who selflessly gave their lives to build a democratic society free from tyranny. The memorial, created by graduates to honor the noble spirit of their seniors, serves as a reminder of their sacrifice and a commitment to carrying on their legacy of ‘Eui-hyeol’ at Chung-Ang University. Surrounding the Eui-hyeol Tower, visitors will find several benches, making it a fitting place to sit and reflect while reading the inscriptions and reflecting on the significance of this memorial.
April 19 Memorial Event Hold in Eui-hyeol Tower
Every year on April 19th, Chung-Ang University holds a memorial event called the April 19 Revolution Commemoration to honor the students who sacrificed themselves during the revolution. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was briefly suspended, but resumed last year and continued this year as well. On April 19th at 10 AM, the event took place in front of the Eui-hyeol Tower. During the event, they place photographs of the six students on the tower and offer incense and flowers in their memory. They talk about the democracy and freedom enjoyed in modern times, made possible, in wipart, through the sacrifice of these six heroes. The event serves as a tribute to their noble spirit. Moreover, it prompts attendees to reflect on the meaning of 'Eui-hyeol,' which these six students embodied in their actions. It is a time for the current Chung-Ang University and its students to remember their spirit and renew their commitment to upholding it.
As the saying goes, "Once the students of Chung-Ang University cross the Han River, history changes," reflecting how actively they participated in the democratization movement and dedicated themselves to creating the present. The Eui-hyeol Tower stands as a reminder of this spirit of 'Eui-hyeol.' For those who may have been unaware of the existence or significance of the Eui-hyeol Tower, it is now an opportunity to reflect on the revolutionary spirit. If you were one of CAU members who didn't know about the meaning of the Eui-hyeol Tower, why not take a moment to contemplate the spirit of revolution and honor the memory of those who made sacrifices to build the present we enjoy today?