Gwangju Youth Union and Lawyer Soa Lee Selected for 20th Deulbul Award

Award Ceremony to Be Held at 11 a.m. on the 24th
at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery

Gwangju Youth Union and Lawyer Soa Lee, selected as recipients of the 20th Deulbul Award. Provided by Deulbul Martyrs Memorial Project Association

The Deulbul Martyrs Memorial Project Association announced on the 17th that Gwangju Youth Union and lawyer Soa Lee have been jointly selected as recipients of the 20th Deulbul Award.

Founded in 2012, the Gwangju Youth Union has taken the lead in addressing a wide range of sensitive and complex social issues, including youth labor and unemployment, sexual violence, and slave labor. In particular, the organization has been highly recognized for highlighting issues such as the deepening gap in youth unemployment and job opportunities, problems faced by part-time workers, and the various forms of youth employment. It has also played the role of a youth labor union, allowing any young person experiencing job-seeking difficulties to join the organization regardless of their region.

Since 2015, lawyer Soa Lee has established the first nonprofit public interest human rights lawyer group in Gwangju and Jeonnam, "Donghaeng with Public Interest Lawyers." For the past 10 years, she has dedicated herself to providing legal support to protect the human rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, people with disabilities, migrant workers, refugees, non-regular workers, sexual minorities, and victims of sex trafficking. In solidarity with local human rights activists, she has actively responded to cases such as the exploitation of disabled laborers in salt farms in Jeonnam and human trafficking and exploitation of seasonal migrant workers in agriculture and fisheries. She has also achieved groundbreaking results in disability rights, including winning the lawsuit for wheelchair lift access on intercity buses operated by Kumho Express in Gwangju.

Im Nakpyeong, chairperson of the Deulbul Martyrs Memorial Project Association, stated, "I believe that the solidarity activities shown by Gwangju Youth Union and lawyer Soa Lee align with the lives and spirit of the Deulbul martyrs, as well as the spirit of the times demanded in 2025. I sincerely ask that they continue their vigorous efforts to overcome injustice and establish justice through solidarity with the socially disadvantaged, and I offer my wholehearted support and encouragement."

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on the 24th in front of the Gate of History at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, alongside a joint memorial service for the Deulbul martyrs.