43 Years Since May Gwangju... Repeated Distortions and Denigrations

Ongoing Issues of Distortion and False Information Regarding 5·18
Gwangju Mayor: "Incorporating the Spirit of 5·18 into the Constitution Is the Solution"

Although it is the 43rd anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, distortion and disparagement related to May 18 still run rampant. Despite the enactment of the May 18 Democratic Uprising Act (Special Act on May 18 Democratic Uprising, etc.) in 2021, far-right figures continue to claim that "May 18 was a North Korean spy-instigated riot."

Ahead of the 43rd anniversary, Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church made numerous distorting remarks about May 18. On the 27th of last month, he referred to the citizens who participated in the May 18 Democratic Uprising as "rioters," claiming that May 18 was the work of North Korean spies and that there was no helicopter gunfire during the event.

Recently, false claims have spread among far-right groups that children of May 18 merit recipients receive extra points on civil service exams and are sweeping public office positions, prompting Gwangju Metropolitan City to take legal action.

On the afternoon of the 17th, the eve ceremony of the 43rd anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising was held at Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, where a pungmul troupe carrying a large flag led the parade. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding the repeated attempts to disparage May 18, Choi Jeong-gi, a professor of sociology at Chonnam National University and former director of the May 18 Research Institute at Chonnam National University, explained, "Political circles gain political benefits, and YouTubers also gain economic benefits." On the 18th, on KBS Radio's Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs, he said, "Many people believe that individuals can sacrifice themselves for the country or that order must be maintained even through violence," adding, "(As a result) such claims become profitable."

However, spreading false information about the May 18 Democratic Uprising is a criminal act punishable by law. According to Article 8 of the May 18 Democratic Uprising Act, the dissemination of false information about the May 18 Democratic Uprising is prohibited in newspapers, magazines, broadcasts, exhibitions, as well as in forums, meetings, press conferences, assemblies, and street speeches. Violators face imprisonment of up to five years or fines of up to 50 million won.

Lee Hyung-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, revealed that over 50 cases have been reported since the enactment of the May 18 Democratic Uprising Act, with 12 cases referred to the prosecution. On the 17th, on KBC Gwangju Broadcasting's "Yeouido Invitation," Lee said, "Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon made disparaging remarks about May 18 during a rally at Gwangju Station Square on April 27, so this case is currently under investigation by the Gwangju Northern Police Station," adding, "Investigations are underway, and cases applying the law are expected to emerge."

On the afternoon of the 17th, the eve ceremony of the 43rd anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising is being held at Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

Although the historical and judicial evaluation of May 18 was established long ago, unresolved issues such as the circumstances of the shooting orders, allegations of secret burials, and the presence of helicopter gunfire remain problematic. More than 43 years have passed, but the actual 'shooting order' that could hold those responsible for the bloody suppression accountable has yet to be revealed. The truth regarding allegations of secret burials and helicopter gunfire has also not been clarified.

However, ahead of May 18, the May 18 Truth Investigation Commission (Investigation Commission) produced results indicating that "Chun Doo-hwan was effectively the one who gave the shooting orders." On the 16th, the Commission secured testimonies, including that of Deputy Chief Cha of the Army Headquarters Personnel Staff, confirming that martial law troops fired at citizens at least 50 times in more than 20 locations during the May 18 Democratic Uprising and that "the shooting orders were not documented but were effectively directed by Chun Doo-hwan."

There is also an opinion that including the spirit of May 18 in the preamble of the Constitution could be a solution to the distortion and disparagement of May 18. On the 17th, at the 43rd anniversary May 18 Democratic Uprising Memorial Ceremony held at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung said in his memorial address, "Including the spirit of May 18 in the constitutional preamble formalizes and institutionalizes the value of the May 18 Democratic Uprising."

Mayor Kang stated, "It is the most certain way to prevent further distortion and disparagement. Through inclusion in the constitutional preamble, please make the spirit of May 18 not a subject of disparagement and political strife, but a value that all citizens proudly remember and learn from."

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