'Democracy Sanctuary' Gwangju Schedule Completed by Kim Dong-yeon: "I Will Remember May and Gwangju"

Text and photo posted by Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, on his SNS on the 13th

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon promised to "remember Gwangju again and again" after completing a win-win cooperation agreement with Gwangju Metropolitan City, paying respects at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, and visiting the May Mothers' House.

On the 13th, Governor Kim posted on his social media (SNS) under the title "I will remember Gwangju again and again," stating, "Before leaving Gwangju, I visited the Yangnim-dong 'May Mothers' House,'" and explained, "It is an organization of mothers who lost their children, husbands, sisters, and other family members to martial law troops during the May 18 Democratic Movement."

He continued, "They themselves also suffered many hardships, including being injured or detained," and added, "Although they appeared elderly after 43 years had passed, I felt a strong spirit in every word they spoke."

In particular, he said, "Listening to each person's story reminded me of my own mother who raised four siblings alone," and added, "Although I heard that they do not rely on donations despite operational difficulties, I promised to help with all my strength if there is anything I can do."

Furthermore, he said, "I also visited Father Jo Young-dae, the nephew of Father Jo Bi-o, who fought against military dictatorship to reveal the truth of Gwangju in May 1980," and introduced, "I was able to share valuable words with Father Jo, who said he carries the mindset of being 'Jo Bi-o's avatar,' about the spirit of Gwangju, the regression of democracy, the role of the Democratic Party, and changes."

He added, "I deeply agreed with the words that the 'spirit' and 'sacrifice' of May Gwangju will become the energy to overcome the current crisis of democracy," and promised, "Now, having finished my visit to May Gwangju, I will return to Gyeonggi Province, but I will remember May and Gwangju again and again."

Earlier, Governor Kim, together with Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung, paid respects at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery and signed a win-win cooperation agreement for eight major tasks.

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