Special Academic Conference on 'Restoration of Democracy' Held in Gwangju

Gwangju City and Korean Political Science Association Hold Special Academic Conference
"Seeking a New Milestone for Democracy in the Sacred City of Gwangju"

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong attended the '2025 Korean Political Science Association Gwangju Special Planning Academic Conference' held at the National Asian Culture Complex in Dong-gu on the afternoon of the 21st and took a commemorative photo with Chairman Kim Beomsu and other guests. Photo by Gwangju City

Gwangju City and the Korean Political Science Association held a special academic conference on the theme of "Restoration and New Leap of Korean Democracy" for two days starting from the 21st at the National Asia Culture Center and Culture Hotel Ram.

This academic conference was organized to diagnose the causes of the crisis and seek alternatives, as Korean democracy and constitutional order have been under threat since President Yoon Sukyeol declared martial law on December 3 last year. In particular, it was held in Gwangju, a symbolic city of democracy, to reflect on the meaning of democracy.

The conference consisted of five sessions, with presentations and discussions on each subtopic. On the 21st, three sessions were held, and on the second day, the 22nd, two sessions are scheduled.

The first session was held under the theme "Gwangju and Korean Democracy." After keynote presentations by Ji Byungkeun, professor at Chosun University, and Cho Youngho, professor at Sogang University, participants including Lee Sanggap, Vice Mayor for Culture and Economy of Gwangju City, and lawmaker Jung Jinwook engaged in discussions.

The second session focused on "Reform of Korean Democratic Institutions" and "Korean Democracy in Crisis." The third session, which followed, covered three topics: "Regional Governance and Local Politics," "Democracy and Peace," and "Rethinking Democracy."

On the 22nd, in-depth discussions will continue on the themes of "The New Leap of Korean Democracy and the Role of Civil Society," "Changes in Social Structure and New Forms of Democratic Resistance," and "The Foreign Policy of the Trump Administration."

Kim Beomsoo, president of the Korean Political Science Association, said in his opening remarks, "I hope this special academic conference in Gwangju will be a meaningful opportunity to seek alternatives necessary for the restoration and new leap of Korean democracy together."

Mayor Kang Gijung stated, "There are no ruling or opposition parties, no left or right, no progressives or conservatives when it comes to protecting democratic constitutional order. The recent rise of anti-intellectual and irrational attitudes in our society is concerning," and added, "Gwangju is a city protected by democrats from within and outside. Gwangju will make even greater efforts to safeguard Korean democracy."

Kim Chunsung, president of Chosun University, emphasized, "I believe this academic conference is a timely and important opportunity to assess the current state and crisis of Korean democracy, which we have never experienced before, and to seek a way forward. We will strive to contribute to the development of democracy in our country through academic inquiry and social practice."