On the 17th, one day before the 41st anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, a pre-event is being held at the May 18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] The eve ceremony commemorating the 41st anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement was held on the 17th in Gwangju.
The event, held around the May 18 Democracy Square and Geumnam-ro area, resumed after two years following its cancellation last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the main performance, a pungmulnori (traditional Korean percussion performance) held as a side event marked the beginning of the eve ceremony.
Despite the chilly weather, citizens gathered on the streets cheered and applauded the pungmul troupe.
At the same time, rehearsals were underway on the stage in front of May 18 Democracy Square before the performance.
The “March for the Beloved,” symbolizing May 18, echoed through the area.
Due to strengthened social distancing quarantine rules, the number of attendees was limited to 99.
As a result, a large crowd gathered not inside the venue but around it.
On the afternoon of the 17th, one day before the 41st anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, pungmulnori is being performed as a pre-event side activity at Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.
The main eve ceremony began at 7:30 PM.
Under the theme “May, Meeting the Era’s Eyes, Matching the Generation’s Steps,” a variety of performances blending culture and art were presented.
Divided into three parts?Solidarity, Resistance, and Succession?the event offered diverse attractions including musical performances and plays.
In the Solidarity section, the gugak crossover team Jamminai, which performs both traditional Korean and Western instruments, and the Blue Theater Village team, known for their small theater movement, took the stage.
A play adapted from “Letters from Myanmar,” supporting and showing solidarity with Myanmar where recent pains similar to Gwangju’s are being reenacted, captured the audience’s attention.
The Resistance section featured folk performances, madanggeuk (traditional Korean courtyard plays), and collective plays, showcasing performing arts.
The Succession section continued with performances conveying the message of overcoming community-threatening issues such as polarization, unfairness, distortion and slander, discrimination, and hatred through the spirit of May 18.
Meanwhile, the 41st anniversary memorial ceremony for the May 18 People’s Uprising was also held at the Gwangju National May 18 Democratic Cemetery on the same day.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
