"May Jumeokbap Gets an MZ Makeover" Unique Video Content from Seo-gu, Gwangju

Reinterpreting the Spirit of Sharing at Yangdong Market for Today
Collaboration with Sugar Rabbit Expands May 18 Values Across Generations

Seo-gu District of Gwangju Metropolitan City has produced and released a video content titled 'MZ Jumeokbap,' which reinterprets the spirit of sharing and solidarity of May in the emotional language of Millennials & Gen Z, in commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement.

This content was planned based on the stories of merchants at Yangdong Traditional Market, who practiced a spirit of community by sharing Jumeokbap (rice balls) with the citizen militia in May 1980. Despite the violence and control of the martial law forces at the time, these merchants came together to collect rice and donations, delivering Jumeokbap to the citizens' army and creating a symbol of solidarity.

Yangdong Market has been recognized for its historical significance and designated as Historic Site No. 19 of the May 18 Democratization Movement. At the entrance of the market stands the 'Jumeok Tower,' which symbolizes the hand of a citizen militia holding a rice ball.

Seo-gu collaborated with 'Sugar Rabbit,' a local influencer and the tourism ambassador of Seo-gu, to produce the video so that the younger generation can relate more easily to the meaning of May 18. The content introduces recipes for 'Kimchi Cheese Nurungji Jumeokbap' and 'Pollack Roe Mayo Gimtae Jumeokbap,' reinterpreting the May Jumeokbap as a part of today's youth food culture through easy-to-follow menus accessible to everyone.

In particular, this video goes beyond a simple mukbang or recipe introduction, emphasizing the meaning of 'sharing a meal together.' It delivers the message that, just as the citizens of Gwangju made and shared Jumeokbap for one another in 1980, the values of community and solidarity—caring for neighbors—continue to this day.

Through this content, Seo-gu aims not to leave the May 18 Democratization Movement as a thing of the past, but to expand it into a cultural content that allows generations to empathize and carry on the values of democracy, sharing, and solidarity in everyday life. The video will be released through Seo-gu's official social media channels and YouTube channel.

Lee Ikang, Mayor of Seo-gu District, stated, "The May 18 Jumeokbap is not just a food, but a symbol of the community spirit of Gwangju that saved and protected one another." He added, "We hope that through content that resonates with Millennials & Gen Z, the values of May will naturally be passed on to the next generation."