President Moon: "The Truth of Gwangju Is Heading Toward Its End" (Comprehensive)

SNS Message on the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement Memorial Ceremony... "Today in Myanmar, We See Yesterday's Gwangju"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 18th, marking the 41st anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, President Moon Jae-in stated, "We are approaching the truth of Gwangju, its final chapter."

In a post on social media (SNS) that morning, President Moon evaluated, "Last week, courageous testimonies from martial law soldiers revealed that they deployed machine guns and snipers targeting citizens."

President Moon explained, "The citizen army, fist rice balls, taxis transporting the wounded, the line of blood donors, and the spirit of protecting and saving neighbors together have passed through candlelight vigils to become our proud democracy and the strength to overcome COVID-19," adding, "The hopeful May opens with truth-finding and restoration of honor."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, regarding journalist J?rgen Hinzpeter, who also appears in the film Taxi Driver, President Moon said, "Starting this October, the 'Hinzpeter International Reporting Award' will be presented. It will be a gift sharing the democratic values achieved by Gwangju with citizens of the world."

President Moon also expressed sorrow over the human rights violations occurring in Myanmar. He said, "Today, we see yesterday’s Gwangju in Myanmar. We earnestly hope that the spirit of May Gwangju and journalist Hinzpeter will become the hope of Myanmar."

Meanwhile, last year on the 40th anniversary of May 18, President Moon visited Gwangju to deliver a commemorative speech, but this year he conveyed his message via SNS.

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