45th Anniversary Ceremony of the May 18 Democratization Movement to Be Held on the 18th

About 2,500 Merit Awardees and Bereaved Families Expected to Attend

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on May 16 that the "45th Anniversary Ceremony of the May 18 Democratization Movement" will be held at 10 a.m. on May 18 at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju. The ceremony is expected to be attended by around 2,500 people, including May 18 Democratic Merit awardees and their families, key government officials, and students.

Under the theme "Together, We Write May," this year's ceremony aims to convey a message that encourages us to collectively remember and record the democracy of Gwangju in May 1980, while sharing and inheriting the historical significance and democratic values of the May 18 Democratization Movement.

The ceremony will last about 45 minutes and will proceed in the following order: the National Ceremony, a progress report, an opening performance, commemorative remarks, a commemorative video, a grand chorus, and finally, the singing of "March for the Beloved." The opening performance, "Eternal Remembrance," will feature a video that honors and remembers the democratic heroes recorded in novels and songs. Singer Lee Jeongkwon will perform Roy Kim's song "Even When Spring Comes," expressing deep condolences for the spirits of democracy and offering comfort to the bereaved families.

Following the commemorative remarks, the video "Writing Tomorrow" will be shown, sharing citizens' perceptions and the significance of the May 18 Democratization Movement as they travel along the route of bus number 518. Afterward, the Gwangju City Choir and the Naju City Children's Choir will perform the grand chorus "The Road We Walk Together." The ceremony will conclude with all attendees joining hands and singing "March for the Beloved."

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Jeangae stated, "The sacrifice and dedication of Gwangju in May 45 years ago laid a major foundation for democracy in Korea today." She added, "Through this ceremony, I hope we can reaffirm the unwavering value of the May 18 Democratization Movement that transcends generations, regions, and ideologies, and that it will serve as a precious opportunity to inherit and further develop the spirit of May as a unifying force for the nation."