Chonnam National University May 18 Institute Holds Forum on "Review and Restoration of Constitutional Order"

The May 18 Research Institute at Chonnam National University (Director: Min Byungro) recently announced on the 14th that it held a regional forum in the Honam region under the theme "May 18, the December 3 Martial Law, and the Impeachment of Yoon Sukyeol," in collaboration with the Constitutional Scholars' Association for Constitutional Restoration.

The Constitutional Scholars' Association for Constitutional Restoration is an organization launched in December last year, with over 100 constitutional scholars participating.

The forum was moderated by Director Min Byungro. The event began with an opening address by Shin Sujeong, Chairperson of the Gwangju City Council, followed by two main presentations and a panel discussion. During the forum, the December 3 Martial Law was compared and evaluated with the May 18 event, and the issues of the 1987 system were reviewed and directions for improvement were sought in light of the recent martial law and impeachment trial.

The first presentation was given by Shin Okju, a professor at Chonbuk National University, on the topic "May 18, December 3 Martial Law, and Rebellion." The second presentation was delivered by Professor Jeong Taewook (Inha University) on "December 3 Martial Law and the Impeachment of Yoon Sukyeol."

After the presentations, a panel discussion was held with experts from various fields. Panelists included Song Seontae, former chair of the May 18 Democratization Movement Truth Investigation Committee; Jeong Daeun, Gwangju City Council member; Park Guyong, professor at Chonnam National University; Lee Changhwan, attorney; Lee Gyuyoun, former JTBC president; and Kim Myungsik, professor at Chosun University. They discussed the constitutional issues of the December 3 Martial Law and the significance of the impeachment trial.

Since its inception, the Constitutional Scholars' Association has held internal emergency meetings and academic conferences to analyze the constitutional issues of the December 3 Martial Law. In February, it held a regional forum in Yeongnam, Daegu, and this Honam forum was held as a continuation of those efforts.

A representative of the May 18 Research Institute at Chonnam National University stated, "This forum served as an opportunity to evaluate the December 3 Martial Law based on the historical experience of the May 18 Democratization Movement and to seek directions for the restoration of constitutional order and the advancement of democracy."