Chonnam National University Alumni Association to Create Painting Depicting the Beginning of the May 18 Uprising

As Part of the 70th Anniversary Celebration,

Featuring Artist Lee Jeonggi

The Chonnam National University Alumni Association will create a painting capturing the historical records of Chonnam National University, the birthplace of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

The Alumni Association announced on May 7 that, in celebration of its 70th anniversary, it will produce a painting depicting the beginning of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

The Chonnam National University Alumni Association is commemorating its 70th anniversary by creating a painting that depicts the beginning of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Photo by Chonnam National University Alumni Association

Chonnam National University, recognized as the origin of the May 18 uprising, was the site of the first major clash between students and martial law troops at the main gate in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, on the morning of May 18, 1980. As citizens joined the protest in response to the military's violence, the uprising rapidly spread throughout Gwangju.

Photographs previously known of the standoff between students and martial law troops at Chonnam National University were taken before May 18, and there are no photographic records from the day itself. For this reason, the Alumni Association decided to reconstruct the scene as a painting based on eyewitness testimonies.

Artist Lee Jeonggi, recommended by alumni from the university's College of Fine Arts, will depict martial law troops beating students and a lecturer and blocking entry at the school’s main gate on a large canvas (size 300). Additionally, Kim Sangjib, a former civilian militia member and chairman of the Yoon Sangwon Memorial Foundation, will paint three works (size 100) to portray the events of that time.

The Alumni Association will donate the paintings to the university, and the university will establish a "Democracy Park" (tentative name) on the green space in front of the main gate, with a completion ceremony scheduled for May 18, marking the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Furthermore, a sculpture commemorating Lee Eulsik, the former governor of Jeollanam-do, who, with his reputation as an independence activist, persuaded local residents and politicians to help found Chonnam National University in 1952, will be installed on campus.

The Alumni Association plans to hold its 70th anniversary celebration on May 16 on campus, featuring a Democracy Path Peace Walk, sharing of "fist rice balls," and the unveiling ceremony for the Lee Eulsik sculpture.

On May 12, the university will also host the "Chonnam National University Concert with Yeosu Citizens" at the Yeosu Campus stadium to mark the 20th anniversary of the integration of Chonnam National University and Yeosu National University.

Choi Heedong, Senior Executive Vice President of the Alumni Association, said, "As the first national university alumni association in Korea, we have prepared this celebration to foster pride among our alumni and to contribute to the development of the region."

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