5·18 Foundation 'Basic Survey for Academic Series Publication'... Collection and Analysis of Research Outcomes
Nationwide Progress Confirmed in Films and Novels... Over 20 Books Including 'Denigration' Published
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The 5·18 Memorial Foundation (Chairman Lee Cheol-woo) conducted a survey to collect and analyze academic research achievements related to the May 18 Democratic Uprising. The results confirmed that from 2006 to August of last year, 83 theses and 263 academic papers were published. Approximately 60 books related to May 18 were also identified.
The 5·18 Memorial Foundation conducted a preliminary survey for the publication of the "5·18 Academic Series" to support the promotion of research on May 18. This survey collects and analyzes academic research achievements related to May 18.
Although 83 theses (master’s and doctoral) were published across various fields such as education and culture, continuous research was not confirmed. By region, about 40% of the theses were published in Gwangju and Jeonnam, with a high focus on culture and records.
Medical research, which is distinctive from existing studies such as post-traumatic stress disorder, stood out, and research is being conducted nationwide through various media and methods including films, novels, trauma, and record management.
However, regions outside Gwangju and Jeonnam showed research results focusing on interpreting the significance based on limited materials due to accessibility constraints.
A total of 263 academic papers were produced. Among them, 73 papers (28%) received research funding, supported by the 5·18 Memorial Foundation (24 papers), the National Research Foundation of Korea (23 papers), and Gwangju Metropolitan City (about 10 papers), among others.
Around the year 2000, research mainly focused on facts and events related to May 18. After the mid-2000s, studies progressed in the order of the May Movement (including memory and past settlement movements), defining the meaning and nature of May 18, and cultural arts and cultural movements.
Research responding to May 18 distortion also accounted for 13 papers (3.0%). This appears to be academic research responding to persistent distortions.
Books include about 40 academic and popular books, including the 5·18 Memorial Foundation’s planned works "May 18, Clear" (2019, Changbi) and university textbook "You and My 5·18" (2019, May Spring). It was also confirmed that about 20 books distorting or belittling May 18 have been published.
The 5·18 Memorial Foundation plans to establish systematic support measures for fostering the next generation of scholars for May 18 academic research, overcoming regional bias through exchanges, diversifying research, and building archives for records and research.
Meanwhile, the "Preliminary Survey Report for the Publication of the 5·18 Academic Series" can be found on the foundation’s website under Major Projects - Records & Research - 5·18 Academic Research.
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