Gwangju to Host "Revolution of Light, Democracy Week" in December

Citizen Programs Marking the First Anniversary of Martial Law and Han Kang's Nobel Prize
Twelve Days of Events on Memory and Solidarity, Including Exhibitions, Lectures, and Forums

Gwangju is once again drawing upon the power of solidarity that its citizens demonstrated during the illegal 12·3 martial law situation last year. To mark the first anniversary of author Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature in early December, Gwangju City will host "Democracy Week," an event designed to document and reflect on the spirit of the day known as the "Revolution of Light" together with its citizens.

According to Gwangju City on November 27, "The Revolution of Light, Democracy Week" will be held from December 1 to 12 to commemorate the civic actions that opposed the illegal 12·3 martial law last year and to celebrate the first anniversary of Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature.

'The Revolution of Light, Democracy Week' Web Poster. Provided by Gwangju City

This year's Democracy Week is themed "The Revolution of Light: Memory and Solidarity." Gwangju City will organize citizen participation programs throughout the city, focusing on four key concepts: Memory, Voice, Solidarity, and Light. These will include exhibitions, lectures, and forums.

On December 3, the anniversary of the martial law declaration last year, a "First Anniversary Joint Press Conference for the Revolution of Light" will take place at the May 18 Democracy Square. Groups such as the Gwangju Community Joint Council, May Organizations, and civic society organizations will participate to revisit the declaration of illegality, the demands for lifting martial law, the background of efforts to block martial law and the impeachment process, and to reaffirm the meaning of civic solidarity.

From December 1 to 10, the "2025 Gwangju City News Photography Exhibition" will be held at the City Hall Citizens' Hall. Around 100 photographs capturing scenes of Gwangju's growth alongside the values of democracy will be on display.

The Gwangju Independent Film Theater will offer free screenings of films based on Han Kang's novels and documentaries related to martial law from December 3 to 6. The May 18 Democratization Movement Archives, marking its 10th anniversary, will host a commemorative exhibition and academic conference to share the significance of documenting democracy with citizens.

The History and Folklore Museum will open a "First Anniversary Nobel Prize Exhibition" (working title) starting December 9. The exhibition will spotlight the democratic, human rights, and peace spirit of Gwangju, focusing on author Han Kang and former President Kim Dae-jung. On December 12, a special lecture by author Hong Daeseon titled "Impeachment and the Importance of Democratic Citizenship" will be held at the Work-Family Balance Support Center.

Events related to World Human Rights Day (December 10) are also planned. The 77th anniversary ceremony of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be held at the Daedong Hall of the May 18 Memorial Center, and from December 10 to 14, more than 30 local bookstores will participate in a pop-up store at the Book Cafe in Jeonil Building 245. Each bookstore will offer unique programs, including exhibitions of Nobel Prize-winning books.

An international forum commemorating the first anniversary of Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature will also be held. The National Asia Culture Center will host the forum under the subtitle "Boy, Standing in the Square" on December 10 and 11, featuring translators, writers, and critics from Korea and abroad. Discussions will cover topics such as "One Year with Han Kang's Literature," "Korean Literature and Gwangju as a City of Humanities," and "The Power and Dynamism of Asian Literature."

Citizen participation programs will continue as well. The Mudeung Library has planned a book concert titled "Again, ON Literature" with author Jeong Yeoul and the Seoyul Band on December 11, and will exhibit around 60 pieces of citizen calligraphy inspired by Han Kang's writings during the same period. At the G.MAP Media Wall and Creative Belt Zone 5, media art content inspired by Han Kang's creative world will be screened. The City Art Museum will install flags themed "Han Kang and the Nobel Prize," created by local young artists, in parks and along walking trails.

Mayor Kang Gi-jung stated, "Gwangju is a city that has protected democracy through civic solidarity even in times of historical crisis, and the values that Gwangju has upheld are reflected in Han Kang's achievements. Through Democracy Week, we will reflect on that spirit together with our citizens."

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