Gwangju Mayor Candidate Joo Ki-hwan Promises to Establish the '5·18 International Institute for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights'

"Confirming the Value of 5·18 and Spreading Its Noble Spirit Worldwide"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] On the 18th, Joo Ki-hwan, the People Power Party candidate for Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, promised to establish the "5·18 International Institute for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights."

Through this, he intends to confirm the value of the May 18 Democratic Movement and globally spread its noble spirit.

Candidate Joo stated, "The 5·18 International Institute for Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights will carry out various academic activities, research, and educational projects to inherit and develop the spirit of May, serving as a central hub of solidarity that shares the model of the democratization movement with all humanity." He emphasized, "It can inspire the people of many countries undergoing pains in the democratization process and become a peacemaker pursuing peace."

He continued, "Through the spirit of May, social integration and national unity can be achieved," and added, "The political sphere must reflect on how it has exploited this great spirit, being trapped in the dichotomous political calculations of progressivism and conservatism."

Furthermore, he said, "I believe President Yoon Seok-yeol and the People Power Party are properly embracing the meaning and value of the 5·18 Democratic Movement," and added, "Now, we must unite in purpose and practice how to inherit the 5·18 spirit and establish it as the spirit of the Republic of Korea."