Young Public Officials of Gwangsan District in Gwangju Walk with the Spirit of May

Paying Tribute at the Democratic Cemetery and Visiting the Birthplace of Yoon Sangwon
Honoring the Spirit of May through Rice Ball Sharing and Exhibition Tours

Young public officials from Gwangsan District in Gwangju commemorated the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by honoring the spirits of May and reaffirming the values of democracy.

On May 14, Mayor Park Byungkyu and public officials visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery for a joint tribute. Many young officials born after the 1990s also participated, reflecting on the historical truth and significance of May 1980.

Park Byungkyu, Mayor of Gwangsan District, paying tribute at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery and offering flowers to the spirits of May.

Gwangsan District organized a rice ball sharing experience event to convey the atmosphere of that day to generations who did not directly experience May. Alongside this, the district also ran a campaign to encourage voter participation in the upcoming 21st presidential election under the slogan "Voting is Democracy."

Next, a memorial ceremony was held at the birthplace of Yoon Sangwon, the spokesperson for the May 18 citizens' army, located in Cheondong Village, Imgok-dong. Public officials sang "March for the Beloved" together. In this space imbued with Yoon's life and ideals, Gwangsan District reaffirmed its commitment and responsibility toward democracy.

After the memorial ceremony, the officials moved to the Cheondong Village Democracy Community Center (Yoon Sangwon Memorial Hall), where they viewed an exhibition on the meaning of May 18 and received a historical education session led by Jang Heonkwon, chairperson of the Gwangsan District Committee for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights.

Mayor Park stated, "The roots of civic solidarity that resisted the December 3 Martial Law Incident also lie in Gwangju in May 1980," adding, "The spirit of Yoon Sangwon continues to serve as a guiding beacon, leading us on the right path even in turbulent times."