The May of Gwangju is a living legacy

May of Gwangju, the Questions of the Present

The May of Gwangju is not just a historical event of the past. It is a living heritage that still speaks to all of us living in the present. This spirit awakens the deeply rooted cultures and values of our society, prompting a reflection on the essence of democracy, human rights, and solidarity.

May 1980, the Alliance of Freedom

May 1980, Gwangju. What happened there was not simply a resistance. It was a solidarity of freedom where ordinary people confronted with extraordinary courage, and the cries that echoed in the streets were a desperate gesture towards justice. The scene created by students, workers, parents, and neighbors embracing each other's lives remains one of the most sublime moments in modern Korean history.

The Spirit of Gwangju, Today's Solidarity

The spirit of Gwangju is not limited to commemorating the past. It continues to ask us today, 'What are you shouting for now, and what are you protecting?' Amid social polarization, imbalances of power, and deepening inequality, the spirit of Gwangju is reborn in the name of coexistence and solidarity.

The Path Beyond Conflict, Respect and Cooperation

This spirit presents a way to transcend conflict. It involves understanding and respecting each other's positions, and adopting a cooperative attitude toward the common good. The spirit, demonstrated with life by the citizens of Gwangju, can be the most fundamental solution to today's problems.

The power of memory, leading to action

Remembering the past is not merely an act of sentiment. Memory should be the driving force of action and the seed of practice. Commemorating the Gwangju Democratization Movement is, in essence, a way to confront the injustices and absurdities of our society, and it is also a journey toward building greater solidarity through small actions. Through historical education, community activities, and the nurturing of the vulnerable, we can continue the spirit of Gwangju in our lives today.

Education for Future Generations

What matters most is to pass on this spirit fully to future generations. The power of education lies precisely here. By learning the essence of democracy in the classroom, practicing the values of coexistence in our daily lives, and repeatedly exercising the protection of others' rights, we can prepare for a better tomorrow. Cooperation between the government and civil society, responsible reporting by the media, and communication between generations are also important pillars in achieving this journey together.

Gwangju, Remembering with an Attitude toward Life

And we must not forget. The May of Gwangju is not the name of a system, but an attitude towards life. It is the language of memory symbolized by 'flags and songs,' and an act of love represented by 'embracing one another.' If we, living today, can embrace this spirit without turning away, it will become the power that guarantees the sustainability of democracy.

The Gwangju of May, Big Changes from Small Actions

The Gwangju of May is not silence but a voice, and it is not evasion but responsibility. The spirit that reminds us of the truth that our small actions can gather to create great changes is still alive and breathing here and now.

May of Gwangju that we must uphold today

Now it is our turn to respond. We must answer the sacrifices and cries of that day with our lives. Solidarity towards the community, practice for justice, and the baton of memory passed on to future generations. That is the May of Gwangju that we must uphold today.