Mayor Lee Yong-seop: "Private Companies Should Also Participate in the Local Holiday on May 18..."

On the morning of the 10th, Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, presided over an executive meeting in the city hall's conference room, urging support to ensure that the local holiday on May 18 becomes a day for all citizens to reflect on and commemorate the "May Spirit." Photo by Gwangju Metropolitan City

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] "I hope that many public institutions within the jurisdiction, as well as schools at all levels, organizations, groups, and private companies, will participate in the local holiday on May 18."

On the 10th, Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated this during an executive meeting.

Mayor Lee Yong-seop of Gwangju said, "Last year, our city enacted the 'Ordinance Designating May 18 as a Local Holiday to Commemorate the May 18 Democratic Movement,' officially designating May 18 as a local holiday. This day is not simply a day off," emphasizing, "It is a day to pause daily work, reflect on the pain of May 1980, and honor the noble spirit of May 18."

He continued, "Once a year, on May 18, all citizens of Gwangju should spend the day united in commemorating May 18 and experiencing the history of just Gwangju," adding, "I hope it will be a meaningful day to visit May 18-related historical sites with family or acquaintances and to watch various exhibitions, performances, and films that embody the spirit of May."

He said, "To properly realize the purpose of designating a local holiday, I hope that the May 18 day off will spread from the public sector to the private sector," and added, "I hope the May 18 local holiday will be supported so that all citizens can reflect on and commemorate the 'May spirit'."