Governor Kim Youngrok Attends Opening Ceremony of Wonkaksa June Democratic Uprising Memorial Committee

"Expressing Will to Uphold June Struggle Democracy"
Used as Rally Point and Shelter for Protests... Historical Significance

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, attended the opening ceremony of the 'Wongaksa June Democratic Uprising Memorial Monument Committee Office' on the 21st.

Wongaksa, a branch temple under Songgwangsa, the head temple of the 21st district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, was a central location during the June Uprising of 1987. At that time, Buddhist figures resisted when police raided a memorial service for the May 18 Democratic Movement. Subsequently, during the May to June democratization movements, the temple served as a gathering place and refuge for students and citizens.

Governor Kim Youngrok Attends Opening Ceremony of Wonkaksa June Democratic Uprising Memorial Committee

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do (third from left), is taking a commemorative photo with key attendees at the office opening ceremony of the Wongaksa June Democratic Uprising Monument Construction Committee held on June 21 at Jungang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju. Provided by Jeonnam Province

The opening ceremony was attended by about 30 people, including National Assembly members Yang Bunam, Jung Junho, Jung Jinwook, and Ahn Dogeol, Wongaksa monk Hyungo, and Jung Jinbaek, chairman of the June Democratic Uprising Memorial Monument Committee.

The Wongaksa June Democratic Uprising Memorial Monument Committee (Chairman Jung Jinbaek) is promoting the construction of the monument, aiming for completion in June 2025, to honor the historical significance of the democratization movement and share the value of democracy with the local community. The construction costs will be raised through donations.

Governor Kim Youngrok stated, "The construction of the Wongaksa June Democratic Uprising Memorial Monument is to honor Wongaksa, which holds great significance in the history of Korean democracy, and the democratic activists of that time," and added, "Jeollanam-do will also strive to carry on the noble spirit of the June Democratic Uprising."