518 Butterflies Released in Tribute at the National 5·18 Cemetery

Hampyeong County and Council Officials' Wish for 'Truth Investigation'

On the morning of the 16th, some public officials from Hampyeong County and the council are releasing 518 butterflies at the National 5·18 Cemetery.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Junho] On the 16th, white butterflies flew over the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Hampyeong-gun held a 'Butterfly Release Event' to honor the noble spirits of the meritorious persons by visiting the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery.

With the cooperation of the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery Office, 518 butterflies were released to commemorate the 42nd anniversary of the 5·18 Democratization Movement.

The attendees wished to take a step further in uncovering the truth of the 5·18 incident, embodying the meaning of the 'butterfly effect,' where the flutter of a butterfly's wings can cause a great typhoon.

Officials from Hampyeong-gun and the Hampyeong-gun Council attended the event.

Chairman Kim Hyung-mo of Hampyeong-gun left a memorial message in the guestbook saying, "We will never, ever forget the spirit of democracy in Gwangju in May."

They offered flowers, incense, and held a moment of silence at the memorial square in front of the 5·18 People's Uprising Memorial Tower.

After releasing butterflies to honor the democratic spirits ascending to the cemetery, they took time to pay tribute to the meritorious persons from Hampyeong.

Chairman Kim said, "5·18 is an unforgettable day and a day that must never be forgotten," adding, "Because the torch of Gwangju democracy blazed brightly in May, the Republic of Korea as it is today could exist."