Jeong Seong-taek, President of Chonnam National University, Urges Sense of Ownership as a '5·18 Descendant'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Gwan-woo] Jeong Seong-taek, president of Chonnam National University, issued a statement urging university members to have a sense of ownership as descendants of the May 18 Democratic Movement.

According to Chonnam National University on the 18th, President Jeong emphasized in a message titled "On the 41st Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement," sent via campus email to about 3,400 faculty and staff that "Chonnam National University must take the lead in inheriting and developing the noble values of the May Spirit as a living witness and eternal protagonist of May 18."

Referring to the recent situation in Myanmar, President Jeong stated, "The democratization of Myanmar and the globalization of the May Spirit must be supported by solidarity and cooperation, and can only be achieved through action," and urged, "Let us all become small stepping stones in building a democratic ecosystem."

At 2 p.m. on the same day, the Chonnam National University May 18 Research Institute and the Chonnam National University Democratic Alumni Association held the 41st anniversary commemorative ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Movement at Yongbong Hall on campus.

At the event, President Jeong said, "Although the Truth Investigation Committee has revealed the military's intentional massacre of citizens, it is taking too long," and added, "To properly record in history the spirit, courage, and dedication of that day when people set out with bare hands to realize democracy, human rights, and justice, members of Chonnam National University must make greater efforts."

He also pledged, "To ensure that the noble sacrifices are not in vain, we will inherit the Chonnam National University gene of truth-seeking, value creation through research, and service for the happiness of humanity," and promised, "We will align with the times through academic investigation and research activities, engage with generations, and expand the May 18 Spirit."

Meanwhile, on the 17th, Chonnam National University held a "May Gwangju Historical Exploration," visiting the May 18 Archives, Jeonil Building 245, and the old provincial government office, with participation from about ten institutions and organizations inside and outside the university, and paid respects at the May 18 Cemetery.