Why a Festival in 'May's Gwangju'?… Controversy Grows as Chosun University Festival Has Started

Chosun University Daedong Festival Held from 27th to 29th
Decided to Avoid Memorial Periods in the Future Amid Growing Controversy

There is a heated debate surrounding Chosun University, which went ahead with its spring festival in the Gwangju area despite the event having disappeared in remembrance of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.

"Having a festival doesn't mean we're not commemorating" vs. "Difficult to accept as bereaved families" Debate over Chosun University spring festival

Chosun University.

On the 27th, KBS and Yonhap News reported that, breaking the tradition since May 1980, Chosun University held its spring festival from that day until the 29th. Until now, universities in the Gwangju area have avoided holding 'May festivals' as a way to participate in mourning the victims of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement and comforting their families. In particular, the day the Chosun University festival opening ceremony was held coincided with the day of the final resistance, and since the 'Resurrection Festival,' one of the May 18 memorial events, was scheduled, there were criticisms that the timing was especially inappropriate.

In this regard, Kim Hyung-mi, director of the May Mothers' House, and others reportedly visited Chosun University’s president on the 23rd to protest. Director Kim expressed regret, saying, "It was the day the provincial government building fell, so from the perspective of us bereaved families, it was difficult to accept that Chosun University in Gwangju, of all places, held a festival." Yang Jae-hyuk, chairman of the May 18 Bereaved Families Association, said, "It is disappointing that the festival started on a day meant to honor the victims and their families through the Resurrection Festival," adding, "Although the wave of change cannot be stopped, it would have been better if there had been mutual consideration." Meanwhile, the Chosun University student council announced it would donate part of the proceeds to May 18 organizations, but the May 18 Memorial Foundation and others stated they would not accept operating profits as donations.

Opinions were divided even among Chosun University students. A student majoring in Korean Language and Literature expressed regret, saying, "Since there are more events focused on commemoration in May, it might have been more appropriate to hold the festival in the fall." On the other hand, a student studying Economics said, "Having a festival doesn’t mean we are not commemorating; I think gathering for a festival is a good thing."

Festival started with a memorial ceremony but atmosphere was cold... "In the future, festivals will avoid the memorial period"

Chosun University began the festival with a memorial for the victims of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Starting with a moment of silence for the May spirits, the opening ceremony was held without firing celebratory shots to mark the festival’s start. Following this, guests and dignitaries sang the representative May 18 song, "March for the Beloved," but it was reported that very few among the tens of thousands gathered joined in singing. This was in stark contrast to the memorial event for the May 18 victims held around 5 p.m. about 500 meters away at the May 18 Democratic Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju.

While some believe this signals a time of change, showing a willingness to engage with young people and empathize with May 18 beyond the 'May solemnity,' the controversy grew, prompting the Chosun University student council to announce that from next year, the festival will be held outside the memorial period.

Meanwhile, idol group NewJeans performed at the opening ceremony of the Chosun University festival that day, and authorities made every effort to manage the crowd. Police estimated that about 45,000 people gathered. To prevent safety accidents during the festival, around 300 Chosun University students and staff, along with nearly 500 personnel including riot police and volunteer firefighters from Dong-gu Office, were deployed to maintain order.