Chonnam National University Hospital Pays Tribute at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam National University Hospital (Director Lee Sam-yong) announced on the 13th that it paid respects at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Director Lee Sam-yong, along with about 30 medical staff and employees of Jeonnam National University Hospital, visited the 5·18 cemetery to lay flowers and offer incense, honoring the spirits of the fallen.

They also commemorated the spirit of the senior medical staff who, amid the horrific medical conditions reminiscent of a field hospital 40 years ago, suppressed anger and fear and worked tirelessly day and night to save even one more life, honoring the souls of the democracy activists who sacrificed themselves under military oppression.

In particular, they visited the graves of martyr Park Gwan-hyun, who was the president of the Jeonnam National University Student Council at the time, as well as Lee Jeong-hyu (Department of Medicine) and Shin Young-il (Department of Korean History Education), paying respects individually.

Additionally, the attendees laid flowers at the graves of other victims.

Director Lee wrote in the guestbook, “On the 40th anniversary of May 18, I hope a new chapter of truth and reconciliation will open.”

He said, “It is regrettable that even after 40 years, the truth has not been clarified, and the noble spirit of Gwangju is being partially disparaged and distorted,” adding, “We must uncover the hidden truth as soon as possible to heal the victims, their families, and the pain of Gwangju.”

He continued, “Even amid the spread of COVID-19, which has put the whole world on edge, the spirit of Gwangju has shone brightly. As a regional base hospital, Jeonnam National University Hospital will also devote itself to preventing the spread of infection and treatment, doing its best to protect the health of local residents.”

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