American Who Joined the Provincial Government Democratization Uprising
Publishes Memoir "My Name Is Im Daeun"
Award Ceremony to Be Held at Jeonil Building 245 on the 14th of Next Month
The city of Gwangju announced on the 29th that it has selected American David Dollinger (David Lee Dolinger, Korean name Im Daeun), who participated as a citizen soldier during the 5·18 Democratization Movement and dedicated himself to upholding the values of democracy, as an 'Honorary Citizen of Gwangju'.
The city confers honorary citizenship in accordance with the 'Ordinance on the Award of Gwangju Honorary Citizenship Certificate and Appointment of Honorary Mayor' to domestic and foreign nationals, as well as overseas Koreans, who have contributed to the development of city administration or enhanced Gwangju's standing. The selection of honorary citizens is finalized through a process that includes a review of merits, deliberation by the City Administration Coordination Committee, and approval by the Gwangju City Council.
David Dollinger worked at the Yeongam Health Center as a member of the US Peace Corps from 1978 to 1980, and during the 5·18 Democratization Movement, he stayed in Gwangju and witnessed the democratic uprising firsthand.
As a citizen soldier, he entered the provincial government building to intercept martial law forces' radio communications and served as an interpreter for foreign media at a press conference held by Yoon Sangwon, actively participating in the uprising. He is especially noted as a foreigner who spent a night in the provincial government building.
Even after the uprising, he continued to work as an instructor at a US military base until 1981, informing the United States about the democratization movement in Gwangju and Korea. He also submitted a report on human rights violations, based on his eyewitness account of Gwangju, to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
He also participated in activities supporting the Korean democratization movement in the United States, took a leading role in protests against Chun Doo-hwan's visit to the US in 1985, and gave a commemorative lecture at Harvard University in 1990 marking the 10th anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, helping to spread the truth about Gwangju.
In 2022, he published his memoir 'My Name Is Im Daeun' and donated all royalties to the 'May With Im Daeun' fund, which supports those directly involved in the May events and their bereaved families.
Kim Hokyun, director of the 5·18 Democratization Movement Archives, stated, "David Dollinger is a neighbor and a symbol of courage who lived through May in Gwangju, transcending nationality. The records and spirit he left behind remind our society today of the democratic values we must uphold."
The 'Honorary Citizenship Certificate Award Ceremony' will be held on May 14 at the opening ceremony of the special exhibition 'Witness: Beyond Borders' at the Jeonil Building 245 Special Exhibition Hall, where Mayor Kang Gijung will personally present the certificate.
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