Kim Bu-gyeom: "Gwangju Reached Out to Daegu During COVID-19 with the 'May Spirit'... Inheriting the Spirit of National Unity"

Commemorative Speech at the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement Memorial Ceremony

New Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum paying respects at the grave of President Kim Dae-jung at the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 15th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum emphasized on the 18th, "During last year's COVID-19 crisis, Gwangju was the first to extend a helping hand to Daegu, which is the 'May Spirit,'" and urged, "Let us carry forward the May Spirit as a spirit of national unity."

Prime Minister Kim made these remarks in his commemorative speech at the '41st Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement Ceremony' held at the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju Metropolitan City.

He mentioned cases such as Gwangju Bitgoeul Jeonnam National University Hospital and Suncheon Medical Center being the first in the nation to provide hospital beds when Daegu faced a crisis last year due to a surge in COVID-19 patients and a shortage of medical facilities. He explained that the spirit of coming together in times of crisis beyond regional boundaries is the May Spirit.

He said, "Just as 'May Gwangju' was not alone, Daegu in 2020 was not alone," and added, "Let us carry forward the May Spirit as a spirit of national unity."

Prime Minister Kim raised his voice, stating that the events that took place in Gwangju on May 18, 1980, must be clearly revealed.

He said, "What happened in Gwangju 41 years ago is clear," and added, "The state power, controlled by the new military regime, massacred the people, and as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, I bow my head and apologize to the citizens of Gwangju and the spirits of the May 18 victims."

He continued, "There are still many truths to be uncovered, such as the unidentified bodies, helicopter shootings, and the identification of those responsible for the shootings," and promised the bereaved families and the citizens of Gwangju, "The Republic of Korea will never give up until the complete truth about May Gwangju is revealed."

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