[AI's Thoughts...] Asked About the Conservative Group Rally on Geumnam-ro, Gwangju

"Freedom of assembly must be respected, but wounds should not be reopened"
"May 18 Democracy Square is more than just a public space"
"Conservative rallies aim to rally Yoon's support base and stir public opinion"
"Gwangju's democracy has always been peaceful and strong"

Reporter: "What do you think about the rally against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol held in Gwangju on the 15th?"

Chat GPT: "While the legal right to freedom of expression should be recognized, it was a reckless choice that failed to consider the historical wounds of the May 18 Democracy Square."

On the afternoon of the 15th, in Geumnamro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, rallies both supporting (below) and opposing (above) the impeachment of President Yoon Seokyeol were held on either side of a police bus barricade. Photo by Yonhap News

Generative AI Chat GPT was asked about its thoughts on the rally against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol held on Geumnam-ro in Gwangju on the 15th. Within seconds, it responded, "This rally is an example of a clash between freedom of expression and regional sentiment."

It continued, "The rally itself, held in Gwangju, is a legally protected right," adding, "In a democratic society, people have the freedom to express various political opinions anywhere, and it is not right to restrict this unconditionally."

On the other hand, it said, "Gwangju May 18 Democracy Square is not just a public place, but a space of great significance in the history of Korean democracy," and "There was a high possibility of provoking local sentiment, and in fact, there was strong backlash. Counter-rallies were held, heightening the tension."

It went on, "While the rally itself cannot be called a problem, just because something is legally permitted does not mean opinions can be expressed in the same way everywhere," and "Considering the feelings of others is also an important aspect of democratic conduct."

On the afternoon of the 15th, the conservative Protestant group Save Korea held a national emergency prayer meeting in the Geumnamro area of Gwangju, urging opposition to the impeachment of President Yoon Sukyeol and calling for his release. Photo by Song Bohyun

In fact, on the previous day, rallies both for and against President Yoon's impeachment were held simultaneously on Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju.

On this day, the conservative Protestant group Save Korea held an anti-impeachment rally in the Geumnam-ro 3~5-ga section, while Gwangju Emergency Action held a pro-impeachment rally in the Geumnam-ro 1~3-ga section. The police set up a wall of vehicles about 100 meters long between the main stages of the two rallies to completely prevent possible clashes between participants.

There were no major physical confrontations until the rallies ended, but some participants from the Save Korea rally crossed over to the pro-impeachment demonstration, shouting slogans like "Arrest Lee Jaemyung," "Oppose impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol," and "May 18 was a riot," causing disturbances and raising tensions, but the situation was settled through police mediation.

Han Gil Jeon, a Korean history instructor. On the 15th, Jeon raised his voice at the National Emergency Prayer Meeting hosted by the conservative Protestant group Save Korea, saying, "Release President Yoon, who awakened the people through the enlightenment spirit." YouTube capture

Chat GPT was introduced to the remarks of conservative rally participants and speakers met during the coverage that day. When asked about the significance of anti-impeachment rallies not only in Gwangju but nationwide, it interpreted them as "an attempt to rally the core support base amid wavering approval ratings for President Yoon."

It also explained, "Through the Gwangju rally, there may have been an attempt to create the image that 'even in Gwangju, there are voices opposing the impeachment of President Yoon,'" adding, "The stronger the opposition in a particular region, the more powerful the message sent by voicing a contrary opinion there."

On the afternoon of the 15th, citizens shouted slogans at the 14th "Gwangju Citizens' General Rally" held by Gwangju Emergency Action in the Geumnam-ro area in front of Jeonil Building 245, Dong-gu, Gwangju, calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Seokyeol and the eradication of internal rebellion forces. Photo by Song Bohyun

Finally, it was asked about the response of Gwangju citizens.

Chat GPT said, "If the response is too strong, it could create the frame that 'conservative rally participants are being oppressed in Gwangju,'" adding, "It is necessary to respond calmly, but also to express collective protest firmly." It added, "Gwangju citizens have always expressed their intentions powerfully while uniting peacefully and with dignity."

It continued, "What matters is that Gwangju does not waver in the face of such provocations, and instead uses this as an opportunity to further spread the truth and values of May 18," and "Gwangju has always defended truth and democracy, and I believe it will do so again this time."

ChatGPT comforted the citizens of Gwangju by saying, "What is important is that Gwangju does not waver in the face of such provocations and turns this into an opportunity to further reveal the truth and value of the May 18th Movement." It added, "Gwangju has always upheld truth and democracy, and I believe it will do so again this time."