[6.3 Election] Democratic Party Gwangju Candidates Pay Respects at May 18 Cemetery... "To Fulfill the Spirit of May Through Election Victory"

Yang Bunam: "We Will End the Distortion of May 18 and Enshrine Its Spirit in the Constitution"
Min Hyungbae: "A United Jeonnam-Gwangju Will Become a Major City Where Young People Choose to Stay"

On May 21, the first day of the official campaign period for the June 3 local elections, the Democratic Party Gwangju City Committee visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju to pay their respects, marking the official start of their election campaign.

That morning, the Democratic Party Gwangju City Committee held a group memorial service and an election launch ceremony at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, vowing an overwhelming victory in the local elections. The event was attended by Min Hyungbae, the Democratic Party's candidate for the integrated special mayor of Jeonnam and Gwangju, as well as local election candidates and party officials from the Gwangju area.

Min Hyungbae, the Democratic Party candidate for the integrated mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju, is speaking at the election kickoff press conference held on the morning of the 21st in front of the Democratic Gate of the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun

After laying a representative incense offering, Yang Bunam, chairman of the Democratic Party Gwangju City Committee, wrote in the guestbook, "We will repay the sacrifice of the spirits of May 18 with a landslide victory in the June 3 local elections."

Candidate Min Hyungbae also wrote, "We will uphold the spirit of the May 18 victims. We will build the integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City into a truly inclusive community where everyone lives together."

In his launch speech, Chairman Yang stated, "This local election is a historic opportunity to put an end to the rebellion that still continues and to lay the foundation for the success of the integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City." He then referred to the recent controversies over the denigration of the May 18 Democratic Movement, saying, "Because the spirit of May 18 is not enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution, distortion and denigration continue to occur. Through a decisive victory in this election, we will ensure that the spirit of May 18 is included in the preamble of the Constitution." He added, "In the last presidential election, Gwangju citizens became the main force behind the birth of the Lee Jaemyung administration with high voter turnout and support. I ask for your support to create another 'Presidential Election Again' moment in this local election."

On the morning of the 21st, Min Hyungbae, the Democratic Party candidate for the integrated special mayor of Jeonnam and Gwangju (left), and Yang Bunam, chairman of the Democratic Party's Gwangju branch, along with other party officials, paid their respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun

Making his address as the lead candidate, Min Hyungbae stressed, "Now is the time for a united Jeonnam and Gwangju to open the door to great progress, overcoming the divisions orchestrated by Chun Doohwan and the new military regime. This election marks the starting point for a monumental transformation."

Min pledged, "I will build a dynamic city where young people choose to stay and a land of opportunity that attracts companies on its own. The success of the integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju will become the key driver for Korea's grand transformation." He continued, "With my sneakers tightly laced, I will walk every street and alley together with citizens, moving forward on the path of integration and growth."

On this first day of official campaigning, Min plans to continue his schedule across Gwangju, including visits to Yangdong Market, greeting commuters at Unam Intersection, holding a focused rally at the Buk-gu Office crossroads, and attending a citizens' government sovereignty pledge ceremony at the May 18 Democracy Plaza.

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