Mayor Kang Gijeong and May Organizations Hold Emergency Meeting on 'Martial Law'

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On the morning of the 5th, Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung visited the office of the May 18 Democratic Movement Contributors Association inside the 5·18 Memorial Culture Center in Seo-gu, where he exchanged opinions with members of the May organizations regarding the martial law. Photo by Gwangju City

Amid growing social turmoil caused by President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law, Mayor Kang Ki-jung of Gwangju held an emergency meeting with May organizations on the 5th to discuss the urgent national situation.

The meeting was attended by Mayor Kang, Yang Jae-hyuk, President of the 5·18 Democratic Merit Bereaved Families Association, Yoon Nam-sik, President of the 5·18 Democratic Movement Merit Association, Cho Kyu-yeon, President of the 5·18 Democratic Movement Injured Association, Won Soon-seok, Chairman of the 5·18 Memorial Foundation, and Kim Hyung-mi, Director of the May Mothers' House, among others.

Mayor Kang expressed his concerns, saying, "I was worried that the May families, who are still struggling with trauma from 44 years ago, might suffer even more due to this situation. Thanks to the experience of May, Gwangju was able to respond wisely. Wise leaders from Gwangju, including May organizations, gathered, and the administration, civic groups, and religious communities joined forces to urgently establish countermeasures," conveying his gratitude.

Shortly after the declaration of martial law, around midnight on the 4th, leaders from Gwangju City, five autonomous districts, civic groups, religious communities, 5·18 organizations, and university presidents urgently convened to declare the martial law invalid and resolved to demand that the military and police protect the citizens.

Mayor Kang stated, "Through the experience of May 1980, I hope this misjudgment of martial law will serve as a warning and lead us toward a more mature democracy. Forty-four years ago, Gwangju fought in isolation, but now many supporters across the nation stand with us, so we will surely prevail. In this process, I ask the May families to come forward with the united spirit of loving their neighbors and their country, just as they did during 5·18."

Yoon Nam-sik, President of the 5·18 Democratic Movement Merit Association, said, "Watching the joint meeting held at Gwangju City Hall immediately after the martial law declaration, I felt the strength of Gwangju. This martial law was reoccurring because there was no proper punishment for Chun Doo-hwan earlier. We must punish the instigators of this martial law to the end. Let Gwangju City, civic groups, and May organizations unite."

Won Soon-seok, Chairman of the 5·18 Memorial Foundation, also emphasized, "From now on, follow-up measures are crucial. If those responsible for treason are not properly punished, another Yoon Suk-yeol will emerge. Let us unite tightly for follow-up actions, including Gwangju City."

In response, Mayor Kang stressed, "The process of punishing and pardoning Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo without principles remains a painful lesson for us. Having experienced 5·18, let us work together to faithfully carry out the will of the May families."