[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeong Da-eun, a member of the Gwangju Metropolitan Council (Buk-gu 2, Democratic Party), argued in a 5-minute speech at the 4th plenary session held on the 14th that ‘citizens' empathy’ is essential for the permanent inheritance of the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.
Councilor Jeong stated, “In 1980, the citizens of Gwangju fought against dictatorship to protect freedom, and the younger generation grew up enjoying freedom and democracy in the Republic of Korea, which was achieved through their efforts,” and “I am grateful for the sacrifices of the ‘senior generation’ who fought for democracy despite hardships, disadvantages, and pain.”
She continued, “May 18 was recognized as a legitimate exercise of the people's right to resist, and with its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage, it became a shared heritage of humanity. However, the investigation into the truth of May 18 is still ongoing, and the wounds of the victims have not healed even after 42 years,” adding, “There are still forces desperate to shake the May 18 Democratization Movement, which is no different from the April 19 Revolution or the June 10 Struggle, and it pains me that we have to protect May 18 by even enacting laws to punish distortion of May 18.”
She also emphasized, “For generations who did not experience May 18, memories and empathy for May 18 are gradually fading,” and “May 18 is a precious asset for all of us, and to brilliantly inherit the spirit of May 18 Gwangju, preparations are needed to share that spirit across generations.”
Furthermore, she said, “I hope the spirit of May 18 Gwangju becomes an unwavering spirit of the times under any circumstances,” and “Because the future of May 18 cannot exist without citizens' empathy, I ask the city to place the highest priority on gathering citizens' opinions when promoting May 18 projects that receive the support of the majority of citizens.”
She added, “Promoting May 18 projects based on citizens' opinions will be a solid foundation for clearly uncovering the truth of May 18 and inheriting the Gwangju spirit,” and “It will also contribute to eliciting apologies and reflections from perpetrators of state violence.”
Meanwhile, the Gwangju Metropolitan Council cut the entire budget for the ‘May 18 Sanctification Project’ during the main budget review process, citing inadequacies in gathering citizens' opinions and public discussion.
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