Mayor Lee Yong-seop: "Gwangju's May Begins with the Spirit of Democratic Martyrs"

On the 1st, Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, is taking a commemorative photo before a luncheon meeting with the families of democratic martyrs from Gwangju and Jeonnam at a restaurant in Seo-gu. From left to right in the photo are Park Haeng-soon (sister of martyr Park Gwan-hyeon), Noh Bong-gu (father of martyr Noh Su-seok), Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju, Bae Eun-sim (mother of martyr Lee Han-yeol), Lee Myung-ja (wife of Jeong Dong-nyeong and director of the May Mothers' House), and Yoon Mok-hyun, Director of the Democracy, Human Rights, and Peace Bureau of Gwangju City. Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan City.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] With the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising just over two weeks away, Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, began May by meeting with the families of democratic martyrs from Gwangju and Jeonnam to console their pain and honor the martyrs' spirit.

On the afternoon of the 1st, Mayor Lee held a luncheon meeting with the families of democratic martyrs at a restaurant in downtown Gwangju. Attendees included Bae Eun-sim, mother of martyr Lee Han-yeol; No Bong-gu, father of martyr No Su-seok; Park Haeng-soon, sister of martyr Park Gwan-hyeon; and Lee Myung-ja, director of the May Mothers' House (wife of May 18 death row inmate Jeong Dong-nyeon).

Mayor Lee said, "We have long prepared the 40th anniversary commemorative events of May 18, which involve the entire nation and the world, but unfortunately, due to COVID-19, most commemorative events except for the May 18 ceremony, memorial service, and resurrection ceremony have been canceled. We will hold commemorative events online to honor the noble spirit of the May 18 martyrs and democratic heroes and ensure that their legacy is faithfully carried on."

He continued, "By designating May 18 as a local holiday, all 1.5 million citizens of Gwangju will be able to reflect on the significance of May 18 with one heart and one mind, and experience the just history of Gwangju through pilgrimages to historical sites," he emphasized.

Bae Eun-sim (mother of martyr Lee Han-yeol) said, "Even if social distancing is necessary, please allow all bereaved families to attend the May 18 ceremony. Even if our health is poor to the point of difficulty moving, being beside our beloved sons and daughters naturally gives us strength, which is the heart of bereaved families."

No Bong-gu (father of martyr No Su-seok) also said, "The May 18 National Cemetery is not only the resting place of our children but also a symbolic site honoring the spirit of democratization in South Korea. Especially in May, many people visit from all over the country, so I ask Gwangju City to take a deep interest and care in managing the cemetery."

At the meeting, the bereaved families unanimously stated, "Only the full investigation of the May 18 truth can resolve the grievances of the martyrs and their families."

Lee Myung-ja, director of the May Mothers' House, said, "Because the complete truth of May 18 has not been uncovered, the May Mothers still come out to the streets to correct wrongs and lead just causes. We must uphold the May 18 spirit so that former President Chun Doo-hwan pays for his crimes and conservative groups leading historical distortion and fake news have no foothold in this land," she emphasized.

Park Haeng-soon (sister of martyr Park Gwan-hyeon) said, "During the COVID-19 crisis, seeing Gwangju's spirit of sharing and solidarity shown to Daegu made me proud. I ask Mayor Lee and all public officials to take the lead in realizing a Gwangju where everyone is respected and equal without blind spots, and where justice prevails."

In response, Mayor Lee said, "The May 18 Truth Investigation Committee has completed its organization and is about to begin full-scale activities. This time, to ensure all suspicions are clearly revealed, our city will form a support task force to actively assist the committee's activities," he said.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.