‘A Lifetime Dedicated to the Advancement of Democracy’ Pastor Kang Sin-seok Passes Away

Burial at National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on the 8th... Herto Procession Continues for a While

Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop: "We Will Follow Those Steps to Carry on the 'Spirit of the Age'" Memorial Service

The portrait and urn of the late Pastor Kang Shin-seok, who dedicated his life to the development of democracy, have arrived at the National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] At around 1:40 PM on the 8th, Reverend Kang Shin-seok, who dedicated his life to the advancement of democracy, was laid to rest at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, Section 2.

As the family members carried the urn containing Reverend Kang’s remains and his portrait out of the vehicle, a solemn silence fell over the scene.

The deceased’s remains, after a funeral service at Chosun University Hospital Funeral Hall, were cremated at Yeongnak Park before arriving here.

The deceased’s second son, Kang Ui-kwon, carried the urn, followed by family members, pastors, and funeral committee members.

The burial ceremony proceeded in the order of salute to the deceased, lowering the urn into the grave, soil covering, silent prayer, and family rites.

After placing the urn in the grave, soil covering was performed in sequence by Yoo Hyeong-seon, head of the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery Management Office representing the Republic of Korea government, family representative Kang Ui-jun, Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop, and the bereaved family. Even after all family members had finished, soil covering continued for some time.

The eldest son of the late Pastor Kang Shin-seok, Kang Eui-jun, is denying it.

One citizen bowed their head and said in a trembling voice while covering the grave, “Thank you, Reverend, and I am sorry,” while another acquaintance put down the prepared shovel and used both hands to scoop soil to cover the grave.

After the soil covering was completed, attendees shared a final farewell to the deceased with a moment of silent prayer.

As the burial staff proceeded with the enshrinement process of placing the urn in the tomb, Kang Ui-kwon, the second son, looked up at the clear blue sky for a while, seemingly overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop, who stayed until the end, eulogized, “Reverend Kang Shin-seok was a ray of light that illuminated the darkness of the era. His sacrifice and dedication, walking steadfastly on the path for freedom, justice, and democracy in this land, and his passionate life have become an unforgettable beacon engraved in the hearts of all citizens.”

He continued, “We will deeply cherish the late Reverend’s great will and follow his footsteps to carry on the spirit of the times.”

Thus, Reverend Kang was interred at National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, Section 2, Plot 1-113.

Mayor Lee Yong-seop of Gwangju Metropolitan City paying tribute to the late Pastor Kang Shin-seok.

Meanwhile, Reverend Kang Shin-seok, who passed away on the 5th at the age of 84, devoted his life to the advancement of democracy and human rights, including uncovering the truth about the May 18 Gwangju Uprising. He was a regional elder who dedicated himself to social movements in religion, education, and unification.

Born in 1938 in Gwangju, he graduated from Gwangju High School and Hanshin University’s Department of Theology, serving as senior pastor at Songseok Church in Haenam, Jeollanam-do; Haeje Central Church in Muan; Yeongdong Church in Mokpo; and Mujin Church in Gwangju.

In 1976, he led the reading of a statement opposing the Yushin regime at Gwangju Yangnim Church, was sentenced to three years in prison, served about one year, and was later granted a special pardon.

On May 17, 1980, he was included on the arrest and wanted list but lived alongside the initial May 18 citizen soldiers and went to Seoul to meet with the German ambassador and others to explain the truth of May 18. In 1984, he personally visited Germany to raise awareness of the truth.

During the Kim Young-sam administration, he led a campaign to collect one million signatures for the enactment of the May 18 Special Act, which enabled the prosecution of new military regime figures such as Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo in court.

He also stood on the side of various social minorities, representing their interests.

In 1982, he established the Gwangju YMCA Secondary School Teachers’ Association and supported dismissed teachers, taking a leading role in activities for the legalization of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU).

He received the True Education Award in 2007, the Hanshin Award in 2019, and the Moran Medal of the Order of Civil Merit in 2021.

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