"Ah! May, May We Meet Again"... 45th Anniversary May 18 Memorial Committee Launched

At the National May 18 Cemetery... Three May 18 Groups Absent
"Generational Integration Across Age, Gender, Political Party, and Occupation"

The 45th Anniversary 5·18 People's Uprising Commemoration Committee (Commemoration Committee) was officially launched under the theme "Ah May, May Reunited" for the 45th anniversary commemorative event of the 5·18 Democratization Movement. Photo by Min Chanki

The 45th Anniversary May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Committee (the Committee) officially announced on the 12th that it has launched under the slogan "Ah May, May We Meet Again" for the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement.

This slogan embodies the idea that "May" is a symbol of courage and solidarity, a representation of unity, and the source of imagination for dreaming of a new world.

The main poster for the 45th Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Event, "Ah! May, May Reunited."

The official poster also symbolizes the waves of cheering sticks that filled the squares and streets after the December 3 martial law attempt. It conveys the determination to carry the vibrant energy of citizens?brilliantly colorful even in the darkest times?into the May of Gwangju on the 45th anniversary.

On this day, the Committee held its official launching ceremony at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, and at the May 18 Old Cemetery (National Democratic Martyrs' Cemetery) in Mangwol-dong, Buk-gu.

About 500 people attended the ceremony, including officials from Gwangju City, the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, the May 18 Memorial Foundation, related local organizations, and civic groups. However, the three organizations established by the May 18 Special Act (the Bereaved Families Association, the Injured Association, and the Meritorious Persons Association) did not participate in this event.

The ceremony began at the May 18 Old Cemetery with incense burning, flower offerings, and silent tribute, followed by the same rituals at the National May 18 Cemetery, a march, and a performance in front of the memorial tower.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to uncovering the full truth of the May 18 events, punishing those responsible, and carrying on the May 18 spirit of citizens who united in response to the December 3 martial law, despite 45 years having passed.

The launching ceremony featured a large-scale themed performance in collaboration with the Gwangju City Korean Traditional Orchestra, Gwangju City Changgeuk Company, Gwangsan-gu Choir, and Dong-gu Choir. Titled "The Dynamism and Requiem for Peace," the performance was inspired by Jindo Ssitgimgut, blending Western and Korean-style requiems as a tribute to the souls of those who sacrificed their lives.

A Committee official stated, "The revival of martial law after 45 years reminded us that May is not a fossilized history but a living reality," and added, "This year's May will achieve a new generational integration?transcending age, gender, political party, and occupation?especially as last year's martial law was experienced together. Once again, the May spirit will prove itself to be the heart and root of democracy in Korea."