Every year on May 18th, we gather in Gwangju to commemorate the cries of 45 years ago. The yearning for democracy that began in Gwangju in May 1980 was a powerful wave that changed the course of democracy in this land. The May 18th Democratization Movement is a historic event where citizens rose up to protect their dignity and rights against dictatorship and injustice. Even amidst numerous sacrifices and suffering, the spirit of May 18th, which sowed the seeds of democracy, continues to resonate deeply with us today.
The 45th anniversary commemoration ceremony of the May 18th Democratization Movement, held in 2025 at the National May 18th Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju, was themed "Writing May Together." This ceremony carried the message of remembering and recording the democracy of May 1980 together, and sharing and inheriting the historical significance of the May 18th Democratization Movement and the values of democracy. Approximately 2,500 people attended the ceremony, including May 18th democracy activists, bereaved families, key government officials, and students, paying tribute to the noble sacrifices of those who perished in May.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a progress report, opening performance, commemorative address, commemorative video, mass choir, and the singing of "Arirang" (for those unfamiliar with the original song, the most fitting English equivalent of the intended purpose would be a song of remembrance and resolve). A progress report read by a representative of the future generation recalled the truth and historical significance of the May 18th Democratization Movement and renewed commitment to the future. The opening performance, titled "Eternal Memory," paid tribute to the democracy activists memorialized in novels and songs, conveying deep condolences and comfort.
The commemorative video, "Writing Tomorrow," followed the route of bus number 518, sharing citizens' perspectives on the May 18th Democratization Movement. The mass choir performance, "The Path We Walk Together," by the Gwangju City Chorus and the Naju City Children's Chorus, conveyed a message of unity, harmony, and the power of "togetherness" in overcoming adversity. Participants joined hands and sang "Arirang," deeply embedding the spirit of May in their hearts. The Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs emphasized that the May 18th Democratization Movement is a significant foundation of Korean democracy, expressing hope that this ceremony would serve as a valuable opportunity to inherit and develop the spirit of May.
In addition to the ceremony, various memorial and commemorative events were held throughout Gwangju to mark the 45th anniversary of the May 18th Democratization Movement. At the National May 18th Cemetery, memorial services and events by religious groups were solemnly held. Students from Chonnam National University held a peace march from the university to Geumnamno, commemorating the students' uprising against the nationwide expansion of martial law on May 18, 1980.
A festival was held at the May 18th Democracy Plaza in front of the former South Jeolla Provincial Office building, recreating the atmosphere of that time, attracting many citizens. This year, efforts to go beyond commemoration and share the meaning of May with citizens, creating a festival-like atmosphere, were particularly noteworthy. These included a "Boy's Road" walking event commemorating Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature and a unique cheering squad at the Kia Tigers professional baseball home game. Gwangju city buses, subways, and transportation services for the mobility-impaired operated free of charge for two days, and the number of city buses running to and from the National May 18th Cemetery was increased to facilitate citizen participation in the commemoration.
The May 18th Democratization Movement is a precious value that must continue to be discussed in the present and future, transcending its painful past. The noble spirit of democracy, human rights, and peace forms a foundation that makes our society stronger across generations. It is crucial that future generations correctly understand and inherit the significance of the May 18th Democratization Movement. Gwangju Transportation Corporation employees born after 1980, known as the MZ generation, visited the National May 18th Cemetery to build a shared understanding of history and reflect on the spirit of communication and harmony in Gwangju.
The May 18th Democratization Movement is not merely a tragic event of the past, but a living history demonstrating the courage and sacrifice of citizens to protect freedom and democracy. The cries of that day formed the foundation of the democracy we enjoy today and serve as an important milestone for the better future we will create. Through the spirit of May 18th, we reaffirm our ability to face any challenge without turning away from the truth and to move forward together with a spirit of solidarity and sharing.
The 45th anniversary commemoration ceremony of the May 18th Democratization Movement and various commemorative events demonstrate our society's efforts to remember and inherit the spirit of May. The movement towards reconciliation and integration, building upon the pain of the past, is the most precious legacy left by Gwangju in May. The May 18th Democratization Movement is not a history confined to a specific region or generation, but a proud history of democracy that all citizens of the Republic of Korea must remember and develop together. May the spirit of May shine eternally across generations.
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