[Full Text] Yoon: "May Gwangju's Passionate Solidarity, the Foundation for Korea's Freedom and Prosperity"

44th Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemorative Address
President Attends Ceremony for 3 Consecutive Years During Tenure
"Korea Stands on the Blood and Tears Shed in Gwangju"

President Yoon Suk-yeol delivers a commemorative speech at the 44th anniversary ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Movement held at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju on the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the morning of the 18th at the 44th anniversary commemoration ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Movement held at the Gwangju National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, "The passionate solidarity of Gwangju in May 1980 became the foundation for the freedom and prosperity of today's Republic of Korea."

President Yoon is the second president, following former President Roh Moo-hyun, to attend the May 18 Democratic Movement commemoration ceremony for three consecutive years during his term.

President Yoon said, "The Republic of Korea today stands on the blood and tears shed by Gwangju," and added, "I pay my respects to the noble sacrifices of the democratic spirits and sincerely wish them peace."

He continued, "I offer my condolences and gratitude to the May 18 Democratic Movement merit recipients and bereaved families who have silently carried on the spirit of May, burying the pain of that day in their hearts."

The following is the full text of the 44th anniversary May 18 Democratic Movement commemorative speech.

Respected citizens, merit recipients and bereaved families of the May 18 Democratic Movement, this year as well, the streets of Gwangju in May are adorned with the blooming white flowers of the Ipap tree.

These white Ipap tree flowers resemble the rice balls shared by Gwangju citizens and students at Geumnam-ro and the provincial government office 44 years ago in May.

At that time, when all roads were blocked and food supplies were exhausted, citizens, regardless of who they were, brought rice and pots to the alleys to make rice balls.

Gwangju united in resistance to protect liberal democracy and human rights.

The passionate solidarity of Gwangju in May 1980 became the foundation for the freedom and prosperity of today's Republic of Korea.

The Republic of Korea today stands on the blood and tears shed by Gwangju.

I pay my respects to the noble sacrifices of the democratic spirits and sincerely wish them peace.

Furthermore, I offer my condolences and gratitude to the merit recipients and bereaved families of the May 18 Democratic Movement who have silently carried on the spirit of May, burying the pain of that day in their hearts.

Citizens, as the spirit of May takes deep root, the Republic of Korea has blossomed into a flower of liberal democracy.

The political freedom and human rights enjoyed by each citizen are now comparable to those of any country in the world without deficiency.

However, we are now facing another era’s challenge.

Class conflicts caused by economic inequality and deepening social polarization due to the broken ladder of opportunity are bringing about a crisis to liberal democracy.

Political freedom has expanded, but many citizens do not enjoy economic freedom.

Political human rights are guaranteed, but many citizens find it difficult even to enjoy daily comfort.

We must rapidly grow the economy, restore the ladder of social mobility, and raise the level of freedom and welfare enjoyed by the people.

By fairly sharing the fruits of growth and providing stronger protection for the socially vulnerable, we must open an era centered on the common people and the middle class where all citizens can be happy.

We must firmly prepare the soil of challenge and opportunity so that future generations can dream of tomorrow.

Through this, we must unite the hearts of the people and move forward to a hopeful future where all citizens are happy and prosperous.

I believe this is the proper way to inherit the spirit of May in this era and sincerely repay the sacrifices and tears of Gwangju.

We will firmly protect the great legacy of liberal democracy left by the democratic spirits.

While carefully attending to the lives of the people, we will vigorously move forward with the people toward a greater Republic of Korea.

To open a new future where the spirit of May shines brilliantly, I and the government will devote all our efforts.

Citizens, the spirit of Gwangju May 1980 still lives and breathes within us.

Once again, let us unite our strength to realize the great will of the May democratic spirits and build a free and prosperous Republic of Korea together.

Thank you.