About 15,000 People Join the Democratic Peace March
Lee Jaemyung, Kim Sanguk, and Woo Wonsik Visit Gwangju
"Gwangju is the City That Opened the Path to Democracy"
On the 17th, the Democratic Peace March was held around Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, where the eve ceremony commemorating the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising took place.
On the 17th, the eve ceremony commemorating the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising began in the Geumnam-ro area of Gwangju, which was the final battleground in May 1980.
The eve ceremony started with the "Democratic Peace March," which reenacted the scenes of citizens marching along Geumnam-ro in May 1980, calling for democracy.
The march began simultaneously from five locations that are historic sites of May 18: Chonnam National University, Gwangju Station, Chosun University, Gwangju High School, and Bukdong Cathedral. It continued for about an hour, ending at the intersection in front of Geumnam Park, where the main stage was set up.
The Democratic Peace March was joined by approximately 15,000 people from various walks of life, including families of May 18 victims, families of national and democratic martyrs, victims and families of forced mobilization during the Japanese occupation, civil society, labor and farmers' organizations, and students.
At 5:18 p.m., symbolizing May 18, everyone in all areas paused what they were doing to observe a moment of silence.
On the 17th, independent lawmaker Kim Sanguk attended the May 18th eve ceremony. Photo by Min Chanki
The event drew attention as Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, and independent lawmaker Kim Sanguk, who left the People Power Party, were among the participants.
The main event featured the musical "Spring's Winter, Winter's Spring," which tells the story of the emergency martial law imposed by the new military regime in 1979-80 and the emergency martial law declared by former President Yoon Sukyeol in 2025.
In addition, the bereaved family of Yang Hoedong, a senior official of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Construction Workers' Union who died in 2023 after self-immolating in protest against union repression, gave a speech. There were also performances by composer Lee Hyungseok and singer Lee Eunmi.
Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung said, "Geumnam-ro is where we fought against the martial law troops. With that strength, we were able to stop the 12·3 martial law," adding, "I thank the citizens who raised their cheering sticks in the cold winter, the soldiers who hesitated to follow unjust orders, and the people and politicians who fought through fasting, shaving their heads, and marching. Now it is time to complete this gratitude through voting."
National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonsik said, "Since the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs did not allow a commemorative address at the May 18 ceremony, I intend to say what I prepared today," adding, "On this day 45 years ago, the new military regime expanded emergency martial law nationwide. Gwangju was trampled by martial law troops for ten days, but it was victorious in history. It was a great uprising in itself."
He continued, "This is the first time the Speaker of the National Assembly has been invited to the May 18 eve ceremony. I will take it as a message that the National Assembly should work with the people to further strengthen the democracy that Gwangju protected," adding, "Gwangju has always opened new paths in history. Because of Gwangju, not only was the path to democracy opened, but also industry, culture and arts, and technology were able to develop."
Meanwhile, the eve ceremony under the theme "Ah May, May We Meet Again" was organized in three parts: a preliminary event, the main event, and the Daedong Hanmadang celebration.
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