41st Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Ceremony... Under the Theme 'Uri-deul-ui O-wol'

Prime Minister Kim Bu-gyeom, Party Leaders Song Young-gil, Kim Ki-hyun, Yeo Young-guk, and 99 Others Attend

Message Emphasizes Achieving 'National Unity' by Creating Opportunities for Nationalization and Globalization

PM Kim: "Republic of Ko

The 41st Anniversary 5.18 Democratic Movement Commemoration Ceremony was held on the morning of the 18th at the National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City. Photo by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The 41st anniversary ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Movement was held at 10 a.m. on the 18th at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City. The ceremony was hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs under the theme "Our May."

Considering the COVID-19 situation, attendance was limited to 99 people, including Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Kim Ki-hyun, acting leader of the People Power Party, Yeo Young-guk, leader of the Justice Party, May 18 veterans and bereaved families, representatives from various sectors, and students.

Ruling party presidential candidates and politicians who could not enter due to the attendance limit paid their respects separately.

Additionally, ordinary citizens waited outside the ceremony venue and individually commemorated the May spirits after the event concluded.

This year’s ceremony carried a message to achieve "national unity" by reigniting the driving force for the future development of the Republic of Korea through genuine apology, forgiveness, and consolation, not remaining in the past, and creating an opportunity to expand beyond the regional limitation of Gwangju to nationwide and global levels.

The ceremony proceeded in the order of flower offering and incense burning, national ceremony, progress report, commemorative performance (Act 1), commemorative speech, commemorative performance (Act 2), and the singing of the "March for the Beloved."

In Act 1, a video was screened featuring the story of the late Jeon Jae-su, whose photo was discovered for the first time in 41 years, and the late Park Yong-jun, who worked as a copyist for the underground newspaper during the May 18 movement.

Under the theme "Speaking of Records," a monologue performance using diaries from the May 18 period registered as UNESCO records was presented, followed by a viola quintet performance of "Rock Island."

In Act 2, a video expressing Korea’s democracy leading the world, including Myanmar, was shown.

Baritone Kim Joo-taek and the choir SiHamMyu (Musical Actors with Citizens) sang singer Song Chang-sik’s song "We Are."

Finally, all attendees stood and sang the symbolic May 18 song, "March for the Beloved."

In his commemorative speech, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said, "Reconciliation and forgiveness are only possible when we continue to uncover the truth, receive sincere apologies from perpetrators, and remember 'May Gwangju' together as living history," adding, "There is no apology or mourning greater than the truth. Confession of the truth is the beginning of reconciliation and forgiveness."

He continued, "To all parties and witnesses across the country, I earnestly urge you: before it is too late, show the truth before history," and said, "Please understand even a little the heartfelt desire to confirm the life or death of family members, the desperate wish to find the bodies, and the sorrow to know how they lost their lives."

He added, "We all know that you were also victims of history. The citizens of Gwangju will warmly comfort and embrace you," emphasizing, "The Republic of Korea will never give up until the complete truth about 'May Gwangju' is revealed."

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop, Jeonnam Governor Kim Young-rok, and other distinguished guests attended the '41st Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement Commemoration Ceremony' held on the morning of the 18th at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, where they sang the "March for the Beloved." Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan City

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