Jeonnam Province Holds 43rd Anniversary 5·18 Minjung Uprising Commemoration Ceremony at Provincial Office Plaza

Jeonnam Province held the 43rd anniversary ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Uprising to honor the spirits who sacrificed for the establishment of democracy and to reflect on its noble meaning.

According to the province on the 15th, about 300 people attended the ceremony held under the theme "The Spirit of May as Today's Justice," including Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam, members of the National Assembly, provincial councilors, May 18 merit recipients and their families, heads of related organizations, and social groups.

Before the main event, a street march performance was held, reenacting the vehicle protests from 1980 between Jeonnam Provincial Office and Mokpo Terminal, to recall the significance of that day.

The ceremony proceeded in the order of flower offering, commemorative speeches, a commemorative performance by the Jeonnam Provincial Gugak Orchestra and Jeonnam Youngjae Dream Orchestra, and the singing of the March for the Beloved.

Governor Kim stated, "The May 18 Democratic Uprising is a proud democratic history recognized worldwide," and added, "The noble spirit of May has spread beyond South Korea to the world, sowing the seeds of democracy, human rights, and peace."

He continued, "We deeply remember the sacred sacrifices of numerous democratic martyrs and patriotic citizens of Gwangju and Jeonnam who gave their lives for South Korean democracy like dust, and we pledge to elevate 'The Spirit of May as Today's Justice.'"

Jeonnam Province is actively promoting projects such as completing a research service related to the 'May 18 Memorial Space Creation' earlier this year and requesting national funding to inherit and develop the noble spirit of May.

On the 20th, as part of the 43rd anniversary events of the Jeonnam May 18 Democratic Uprising, the Namdo May Cultural Festival will be held at Mokpo Peace Square. Additionally, various side events including an academic forum, national photo contest, democratic citizen field trips, and a bus tour project will be held with residents to commemorate the spirit of May.