Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong Delivers 'Letter from May Gwangju' to Ruling and Opposition Floor Leaders

Request for Cooperation on Follow-up Measures and Attendance at Commemorative Events Following the Comprehensive Report of the Truth Investigation Committee

"The Year of Including the 5·18 Spirit in the Constitutional Preamble... Urging the 22nd National Assembly to Take a Big Step Forward"

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung visited the National Assembly on the 14th to mark the 44th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and met with the floor leaders of both ruling and opposition parties to deliver the "Letter from May Gwangju."

On the same day, Mayor Kang met separately with Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, to deliver the letter and requested ▲ cooperation on follow-up measures after the May 18 Truth Investigation Commission (Truth Investigation Committee) submits its comprehensive report to the National Assembly ▲ active participation in the May 18 commemorative events themed "Emptying and Reflection" ▲ inclusion of the May 18 spirit in the preamble of the Constitution.

He continued, "The 44th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising has reached another critical turning point," adding, "The May 18 Truth Investigation Commission is concluding its four-year activity and is only left with adopting the comprehensive report. Once the comprehensive report is submitted to the National Assembly by the end of June, we will work closely with the National Assembly to ensure that May 18 stands upright."

He also said, "The theme for the 44th anniversary of May 18 this year is 'Emptying and Reflection.' Since it is a time to shed the conflicts, monopolies, and hatred accumulated within us over many years, we chose the slogan 'May for All, United May.' I ask for active participation in the May 17 Democratic Peace March, the May 18 Eve Ceremony, and the May 18 Commemoration Ceremony."

Furthermore, he stated, "Gwangju has designated this year as the inaugural year for including the May 18 spirit in the preamble of the Constitution. Forty-four years ago, Gwangju fought in isolation and loneliness, but today, many friends remember and spread the word about May. I ask you to take the lead in making the inclusion of the May 18 spirit in the Constitution a task for the 22nd National Assembly and taking significant steps forward."

Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "Since Mayor Kang Gi-jung is making multifaceted efforts to uncover the truth about May 18, I promise that the National Assembly will do everything it can," adding, "Especially, the inclusion of the May 18 spirit in the preamble of the Constitution has already gained sufficient consensus, there are no disagreements between ruling and opposition parties, and since it is a pledge of the ruling party, it will definitely be processed in the 22nd National Assembly."

Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, said, "Thank you for your passionate efforts for regional development," and added, "We will actively cooperate regarding your remarks for the development of Gwangju."

Meanwhile, Gwangju City will express gratitude to all visitors to Gwangju on May 18 by offering free public transportation such as buses and subways, and holding small and medium-sized enterprise sharing sales during the May 18 week.

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