Mayor Kang Gijung Shares Gwangju's Democratic City Experience with the World

Online Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremony of "DreamWeek 2025" in the US
Introducing South Korea's Overcoming of the Democratic Crisis After the "December 3 Rebellion"

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong is delivering an online keynote speech at the opening ceremony of 'Dream Week 2025' held in San Antonio, USA, on the 10th local time (11th Korean time). Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of "DreamWeek 2025" held in San Antonio, USA, a sister city of Gwangju. "DreamWeek 2025" is a platform for sharing opinions on global issues such as justice, environment, education, and technology, while inheriting values like tolerance, equality, and diversity emphasized by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. At this event, Mayor Kang introduced "The Experience of the Democratic City of Gwangju."

Mayor Kang was originally scheduled to attend the event in person and deliver the keynote address, but due to the cancellation of his trip following the Jeju Air passenger plane accident, he participated online instead.

At the opening ceremony held on the 11th (local time, 10th), Mayor Kang expressed his gratitude to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg for his condolences and support regarding the Jeju Air accident. He also explained how South Korea has been steadfastly overcoming the crisis of democracy in creative and peaceful ways following the "December 3 Martial Law and Rebellion Incident."

Mayor Kang said, "On the night of December 3, 2024, when martial law was declared, something remarkable happened. Citizens who learned of the news through social networking services (SNS) rushed to the National Assembly faster than the martial law troops and stood unarmed to block armored vehicles and soldiers. In addition, 190 members of the National Assembly who entered the building by climbing over the wall voted to lift martial law in just two hours," recounting the tense situation at the time.

He also introduced the activities of citizens who took to the streets every day in the cold winter, demanding the impeachment of the president and punishment of the rebellion forces. He vividly described scenes from festive-like protests with cheering sticks and K-POP music, to students studying for exams overnight on the streets wrapped in emergency blankets. He particularly highlighted the phenomenon where people prepaid for food and coffee at nearby restaurants and cafes for strangers, and sent heating vehicles to help others stay warm.

Mayor Kang emphasized that this remarkable strength is deeply connected to Gwangju's past experience. He explained, "In May 1980 in Gwangju, martial law troops aimed their guns at citizens, and hundreds lost their lives. The choice of Gwangju citizens, who were thoroughly isolated at the time, was extraordinary. During the day, they shared rice balls and blood, and at night, they gathered in the square to check on each other and discuss countermeasures."

He continued, "Gwangju in 1980 presented the idea of an 'absolute community' to South Korea and left the lesson that 'the state must never turn its guns on its people.' The Gwangju of the past helped the South Korea of today. In fact, Gwangju's torches were reborn as cheering sticks, and rice balls as prepaid meals and heating vehicles."

Mayor Kang said, "The reason why Gwangju, isolated and lonely in 1980, could bloom into a global city of democracy, human rights, and peace is thanks to neighbors around the world who love democracy and peace. Please support South Korea so that it can achieve a creative and peaceful democratic revolution and write a happy ending for Korean democracy."

Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio, who watched Mayor Kang's keynote speech in the US, said, "I am well aware of the recent turmoil related to martial law that South Korea and Gwangju are experiencing. The solidarity and unity shown by the citizens of Gwangju, a bastion of democracy and a city of peace known worldwide, are truly inspiring."

Shokare Nakpodia, CEO of DreamVoice and organizer of "DreamWeek 2025," said, "Thank you for Mayor Kang's speech. South Korea's Revolution of Light is a powerful and inspiring movement. I expect Gwangju's democratic spirit to grow even further, and I look forward to Gwangju's continued participation in future events."

"DreamWeek" is a festival held every January for about two weeks throughout San Antonio. Political, business, and cultural figures from San Antonio and surrounding areas participate. This year, under the theme "We Are Neighbors," a variety of programs including lectures, exhibitions, and concerts are being held from the 10th to the 26th.

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