[Report] Delivery Riders Stop, Foreign Students Gather... Gwangju United in May

May Square Returns to the City Center After Six Years
A Site of Solidarity Across Generations and Nationalities
A Wave of Remembrance Continues Despite the Scorching Heat

"Even though I live in Gwangju, the May 18th National Cemetery somehow always felt distant to me. But when I heard that the commemoration ceremony would be held right in the middle of the city where my children will grow up, I didn't hesitate to bring out the stroller and come here."

On the morning of the 18th, citizens watched the 46th anniversary commemoration ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Uprising held at the May 18 Democratic Square in front of the old Jeonnam Provincial Government Building on Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, the final battleground of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Photo by Min Hyunki.

On the morning of May 18, at the May 18 Democracy Square in front of the old Jeonnam Provincial Office in Dong-gu, Gwangju, I met Minjae Jang (37, from Seo-gu, Gwangju) at the site of the 46th anniversary ceremony for the May 18 Democratization Movement. Jang tightly held the hands of her two daughters as she looked towards the main stage. Beside her, her two young daughters, ages two and five, who are still unaware of the ways of the world, curiously gazed around at the crowds filling the square.

Jang said, "Even though I know that the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery isn't geographically far, I've never visited because of an inexplicable solemnity and psychological distance. But now that the event is being held here in Geumnam-ro Square, a space from our everyday lives, it feels much more familiar," she said.

She continued, "I know my children are too young to be taught history yet and that they probably won't remember today at all. Still, just as we talk to babies in the womb even though they won't remember, I wanted them to physically experience what kind of place Gwangju is, and why we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have now, even if they don't remember it, so I brought them out today."

However, Jang pointed out the midday heat, with temperatures soaring to nearly 30 degrees Celsius, and added, "It was a bit disappointing that there weren't enough shaded rest areas for strollers, making it difficult to stay long with the children."

'May, a Festival and Solidarity' That Even an Italian Student Found Fascinating

On this day, the square resonated not only with Gwangju citizens but also with blue-eyed foreigners. Mizel (24), an Italian exchange student who came to Korea to study Korean history, expressed awe as she visited the various experience booths set up across the square.

Mizel said, "It was truly refreshing and new to see how people do not confine the painful history caused by state violence to mere sadness, but instead sublimate it into a cultural festival that all generations can enjoy and remember." She added, "I was almost a complete outsider to the May 18th events and modern Korean history, but after visiting the Democracy Square today, I could deeply feel the vibrant dynamism of democracy running through Korean history."

In particular, Mizel was deeply moved by the variety of participatory programs prepared to transcend barriers of nationality and language, which she experienced during the May events held throughout Gwangju since the beginning of this month. She said, "I could directly feel the joy and pride of the Korean people, who have overcome many political and historical hardships," and added, "Watching the citizens of Gwangju transform a tragic past into proud dignity, I genuinely felt a sense of gratitude and remembrance for those who defended democracy."

A Motorcycle Stopped for the President's Speech... 'The Pride of Gwangju'

Around 11 a.m., when the ceremony was at its peak, a motorcycle came to a sudden stop on the road at the edge of the square as President Jae Myung Lee's commemorative address was broadcast on a large LED monitor. It was Hyunsoo Jang (44), who works as a delivery rider. He took off his helmet and hung it on his motorcycle, unable to take his eyes off the broadcast.

On the morning of the 18th, the 46th anniversary ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Uprising was held at the May 18 Democracy Square in front of the old Jeonnam Provincial Office on Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, the final battleground. Delivery worker Hyunsoo Jang (44) is attentively listening to President Jae-myung Lee's inauguration speech. Photo by Min Hyunki

Even as notifications from the smartphone delivery app rang incessantly, Jang stayed put. Although it was a busy time just before the lunch rush, the message from the president about the meaning of May was more important to him than any delivery request.

Jang began, "As someone born and raised in Gwangju, the month of May has always been a heavy time for me." He said, "In the past, May brought feelings of sadness and resentment, but listening to the president's address and witnessing the ceremony being held boldly in the city center today, I finally felt a surge of pride as a citizen of Gwangju."

Jang continued, "Everyday democracy that allows workers like us to live our lives diligently is possible only because of the spirits who fought and shed blood here 46 years ago. So, at least for today, even if I have to briefly pause my work, I wanted to honor their noble intentions and closely watch how the nation commemorates this history," he said, before putting his helmet back on.

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