Jeonnam Province Holds 42nd Anniversary 5·18 Memorial Ceremony

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province announced on the 15th that it held the 42nd anniversary ceremony of the Jeonnam 5·18 Democratization Movement on the 14th at the square in front of the Kim Young-rang Gate of the provincial office to honor the May spirits who sacrificed for the democratization of the Republic of Korea and to inherit and develop the noble May spirit.

The ceremony was held under the theme "May, with the Power of Truth! The Light of the Era!" with about 300 attendees including Acting Governor of Jeonnam Province Moon Geum-ju, Vice Governor, Moon Kyung-sik, Chairman of the 42nd Anniversary Commemoration Committee of the Jeonnam 5·18 People's Uprising, members of the National Assembly, provincial councilors, 5·18 merit recipients and their families, and residents of the province.

In his memorial address, Acting Governor Moon Geum-ju emphasized, "Since the full lifting of social distancing measures last April, it is especially meaningful and significant that many residents gathered for the ceremony and various commemorative events for the first time in three years," adding, "It was possible to wisely overcome the national crisis of COVID-19 because the May spirit of solidarity and sharing was the foundation of the people."

He continued, "As the world faces a transitional crisis and active roles of local governments are required for balanced national development and social integration, we will emulate the noble May spirit to create a just and peaceful world," and said, "We will establish the Jeollanam-do 5·18 Memorial Space, which will symbolize democracy, justice, human rights, and peace, and do our best to honor the 5·18 merit recipients and their families who sacrificed to protect democracy in the Republic of Korea."

After the ceremony, in the afternoon, the May Cultural Festival was held as a cultural performance and side event where residents could learn about and experience the May spirit and its values.

At the May Cultural Festival, a variety of events took place where residents participated together, including cultural performances such as the 'Namdo Ulim' by the May Pungmul Group, a commemorative performance by the Jeonnam Young Talent Dream Orchestra composed of youth, and the Madanggeuk (traditional Korean outdoor play) "Someday in Spring," along with activities like sharing rice balls, 5·18 magic block stacking experience, and youth cultural gatherings.

The festival added significance by recalling the 5·18 Democratization Movement, where sharing and solidarity were achieved even under dictatorship and military oppression.

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