Enactment of Ordinance to Support Memorial Projects for Civilian Victims of the Korean War in Gwangju Region

Buk-gu Council Member Jeong Dalseong: "We Must Set History Right"
Discovery and Collection of Victims' Materials, Human Rights Education Projects Now Possible

A support ordinance for memorial projects dedicated to civilian victims who died in the Gwangju area around the time of the Korean War has been enacted, enabling the discovery and collection of memorial materials and the implementation of peace and human rights education projects.

The Economic Welfare Committee of the Buk-gu Council in Gwangju announced on the 13th that it had passed the "Support Ordinance for Memorial Projects for Civilian Victims Before and After the Korean War in Buk-gu, Gwangju," which was proposed by Council Member Jeong Dalseong (Democratic Party, Yongbong, Maegok, Samgak, Ilgok-dong).

Dalseong Jeong, Member of Gwangju Bukgu Council. Provided by Member Jeong Dalseong

This ordinance, the first of its kind to be promoted by a local district in Gwangju, includes memorial projects for civilian victims, the discovery and collection of materials, the publication of related works, and educational programs.

Council Member Jeong stated, "The December 3 Martial Law Uprising demonstrates that distorted historical perspectives, misinformation, and brutal state violence can cause great turmoil in our society," and added, "Correcting a chaotic society begins with correcting history, and I will work to promote memorial projects in cooperation with Gwangju City and the five districts in the long term."

Meanwhile, an incident in which prisoners incarcerated at Gwangju Prison during the Korean War were massacred en masse in Buk-gu, Gwangju, was revealed through an investigation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Among the victims was Jang Jaeseong, an independence activist who led the Gwangju Student Independence Movement. With the enactment of this ordinance, memorial projects for civilian victims before and after the Korean War, including this incident, are expected to be carried out.