"Succession and Development of Gwangju Spirit" Hyochon Democracy and Human Rights Forum Officially Launched

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A forum aimed at uncovering the truth behind the massacre of civilians in the Songam-dong and Hyochon Station areas of Nam-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City during the May 18 Democratic Movement has officially begun its activities.

The Hyochon Democracy and Human Rights Forum (Chairman Min Pan-gi) held its launch ceremony on the afternoon of the 22nd at the 8th-floor conference room of the Nam-gu Office in Gwangju, marking its official establishment.

The Hyocheon Democratic Human Rights Forum held its launching ceremony on the afternoon of the 22nd in the large conference room on the 8th floor of the Nam-gu Office in Gwangju Metropolitan City, officially commencing its activities.
[Photo by Park Jin-hyung]

The launch ceremony was attended by about 100 people, including Kim Byung-nae, Mayor of Nam-gu, and Park Mi-kyung, Executive Representative of the Gwangju Citizens' Organizations Council. The event proceeded with congratulatory speeches, an explanation of the founding background, and the reading of the founding declaration.

Chairman Min Pan-gi emphasized, "We will do our utmost to console the souls of the wrongfully sacrificed spirits in Songam-dong in May 1980 and to promote the values of democracy, human rights, and peace through historical explorations."

The forum was established to investigate the truth of the 'May 18 Songam-dong and Hyochon Station area civilian massacre' incident and to inherit and develop the spirit of democracy and human rights. It originated from the 'Hyochon Station and Songam-dong Civilian Massacre Memorial Committee,' which was launched in April last year.

The forum plans to carry out various projects, including memorial festivals for the civilian massacre victims in the Songam-dong and Hyochon Station areas, memorial rites for the victims, and democracy and human rights historical tours.