May 18 Archives Opens "May 18 Photo Special Exhibition" in Paris

Over 90 Photographs on Display at Gustave Eiffel University Until October 14
Sharing the Values of Democracy and Human Rights Through Film Screenings

518 Democratic Movement Photo Special Exhibition Hall. Photo by Gwangju City

The May 18 Democratic Movement Archives announced on October 2 that it held the opening ceremony for the "Gwangju 5·18-Urban Identity and Democracy Exhibition" at Gustave Eiffel University in Paris, France, on September 30 (local time).

The opening ceremony was attended by Shin Seokhong, Minister at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in France; Kang Yeoul, Counsellor at the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Korea to UNESCO; Bengsulas Biri, Vice President of Gustave Eiffel University; Christophe Prieur, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Professor Thierry Bongjon; Serge Weber, Deputy Director of the ACP Institute; Kim Hokyun, Director of the May 18 Democratic Movement Archives; Lee Sanghoon, Chairperson of the Gwangju Film and Video Association; participating artist Patrick Chauvel; officials and students from Gustave Eiffel University; film industry professionals; and approximately 100 others.

This exhibition, which began on September 26, features over 90 documentary photographs of the May 18 Democratic Movement. The exhibition covers key phases of the struggle, including protests, suppression, resistance, massacre, and mourning, and a special section highlights the documentary work of domestic and international photographers. The exhibition will run until October 14 and will also include screenings of archival footage and citizen-filmed videos.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the "May 18 Film Screening" was held, featuring the documentary "Kim-Gun" and the short films "The Girl from Yangnim-dong" and "It's Okay." The screening was attended by film directors and critics from Paris, students from Gustave Eiffel University, and included commentary and a Q&A session with Lee Sanghoon, Chairperson of Gwangju Independent Cinema.

At the subsequent "Roundtable," discussions were held on the May 18 Democratic Movement and Gwangju's urban identity as seen through documentary photographs. Notably, world-renowned photojournalist Patrick Chauvel and Fran?ois Lochon, who photographed the "Little Mourner" during the May 18 period, participated in person, adding a profound resonance to the event. The two journalists recounted memories of the civic community during the lockdown on May 26-27, 1980, and of citizens being trampled and detained by martial law troops on May 27, emphasizing that "Gwangju remains a living symbol of democracy."

Bengsulas Biri, Vice President of Gustave Eiffel University, commented, "This exhibition is a valuable opportunity to reflect on Korea's experience with democracy and will serve as a living textbook for our students."

Kim Hokyun, Director of the May 18 Democratic Movement Archives, stressed, "The May 18 documentary photographs are not merely images, but historical evidence that testifies to the truth. The fact that Gwangju's records are being highlighted in Paris marks an important milestone in the globalization of May 18."

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