Over 3,000 Participants in the Democratic Peace March... Largest Stage and Crowd Ever
From Students in Uniforms to Elderly with White Hair, Just Like That Day in May 1980
Jeon Du-hwan's Grandson Jeon Woo-won Also Makes Rice Balls and Attends
"Those who are alive, follow me as I lead the way. Everyone, please come out toward the Provincial Government Building."
Members of the May Pungmul Troupe are marching through the streets during the 43rd anniversary eve ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Uprising held on the 17th around Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City. [Photo by Min Hyun-gi]
On the 17th, a day before the 5·18 Democratic Movement Commemoration Ceremony, the events of that day 43 years ago were reenacted through the eve ceremony of the 5·18 Democratic Movement commemoration in Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, the site of South Korea's democracy struggle against military dictatorship.
More than 3,000 citizens participated in the Democratic Peace Grand March, which marched about 1.5 km from Suchang Elementary School in Gwangju to the old Jeonnam Provincial Government Building.
The sight of compatriots from the Korean diaspora village and North Korean defectors leading the march, waving a large Taegeukgi flag and other banners, resembled the scene in May 1980 when people marched toward the martial law troops demanding the "lifting of martial law."
As the march progressed, more citizens joined, and the scale continued to grow. The crowd quickly swelled to about 7,000, filling the streets of Geumnam-ro.
Just like in May 1980, the hearts of citizens of all ages?from students who had just finished school to elderly couples with graying hair?seemed united. Back then it was "democracy," and now it is the "spirit of Gwangju in May 43 years ago."
Jeong (69), who came to the eve ceremony with his young grandchild, said, "As a citizen of Gwangju, I thought it was my duty as a parent to let my children and grandchildren know and feel the 5·18 movement, so I came out."
He added, "Although my child is still too young to understand, I hope they will learn how the democratic martyrs fought as they grow up. I will continue to come every year with my family."
At 7 p.m., after completing the march to the old Jeonnam Provincial Government Building, citizens sat facing the stage set up in front of the Jeonil Building and watched the performance prepared by the 5·18 event committee.
The total play was conducted in seven parts. At the start, the "March for the Beloved," symbolizing the 5·18 movement, was played, and the venue instantly became solemn. Following this, elements of the 5·18 movement such as sharing rice balls, symbolizing the spirit of May, and the mass shooting were presented.
Chang Isu (39), a Taiwanese national attending the eve ceremony, said, "I heard that Gwangju supports Taiwan a lot. Taiwan is also enduring great sacrifices while walking toward democratization, and this event reassures us that beautiful fruits come after painful history."
Some families arrived early in the morning the day before to attend the eve ceremony. Lee Byungcheol (44), who drove six hours from Sokcho, Gangwon Province, said, "This year my son entered middle school, and I am teaching him history not just through textbooks but by visiting actual sites. As a citizen of South Korea, I thought watching the eve ceremony and studying the 5·18 movement in Gwangju, where democracy was shouted for, would be an unforgettable learning experience, so I joined."
Meanwhile, at the eve ceremony, Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of Jeon Du-hwan, who has repeatedly apologized on behalf of Jeon Du-hwan, also participated, drawing attention. Jeon made rice balls at the May Mothers' Gwangju rice ball booth with former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok, reflecting on the spirit of May in Gwangju. When the ceremony officially began, as people recognized him, he quietly observed the event from the back of the line, seemingly trying to avoid causing any disturbance.
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