[6.3 Election] Mokpo Mayoral Candidate Kang Seong-hwi: "I Will Not Forget the Spirit of May"

Memorial Message Issued on the Anniversary of May 18

Kang Seong-hwi, the Democratic Party candidate for Mokpo Mayor, marked the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement by declaring, "I will uphold the noble spirit of May to the very end and build a community where democracy, justice, and fairness thrive."

Candidate Kang Sung-hwi for Mokpo Mayor, who vowed not to forget the spirit of May and to carry on the spirit of democracy.

On the 18th, through a memorial message, Kang stated, "The courage and sacrifice shown by citizens who stood up to military dictatorship in Gwangju in May 1980 are the precious roots of democracy in Korea," and added, "I extend my deepest respect and remembrance to the spirits of May, who defended democracy against the state's illegal violence for the sake of freedom and justice."

He continued, "For 46 years, efforts have continued to uncover the truth, punish those responsible, and carry on the spirit of May," emphasizing, "It is because of the citizens of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province in May 1980 that today's Republic of Korea is possible, and it was their noble sacrifice and courage that enabled democracy to rise again."

Kang described the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement as "an unfinished task that is not yet complete." He said, "It is truly regrettable and a heavy reality that the spirit of May 18 has once again not been included in the preamble of the Constitution," and added, "The struggle against those who seek to turn back the clock of history continues even now."

He further stated, "I will keep moving forward until the spirit of May is fully inherited," and stressed, "The spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement remains a living historical lesson that continues to safeguard democracy and popular sovereignty to this day."

Kang also mentioned the December 3, 2024 emergency martial law incident. He said, "I am proud of the people who protected democracy from martial law and the attempt at insurrection," and added, "This reaffirms that democracy in Korea is never guaranteed, but built upon the sacrifice and dedication of the people."

He continued, "Any attempt to undermine constitutional order can never be tolerated in the face of the people's will and the values of democracy," and emphasized, "Defending democracy is not an issue of the past, but the responsibility of every citizen living today."

Kang stated, "The spirit of May 18 is a history of solidarity that has protected democracy and our community," and declared, "With responsible politics that puts the lives of citizens first, I will build a community where justice and fairness are alive."

Earlier, on the 17th, Kang visited the memorial altar for the victims of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement set up at Mokpo Station Square for the western Jeolla region—including Mokpo, Muan, Shinan, and Haenam—and paid tribute with a floral offering to the spirits of May.

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