Speaker Woo Wonsik: "Blocking the 12·3 Martial Law Was the Victory of Gwangju in May"

First National Assembly Speaker's Speech at the May 18 Eve Ceremony
"The Light of Gwangju Will Shine Forever with Democracy"

Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, is speaking at the eve ceremony of the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising on the afternoon of the 17th at Geumnamro, Donggu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 17th, National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonsik stated, "The people's victory over the 12·3 Martial Law is the victory of Gwangju in May."

On this day, one day before the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, Speaker Woo was officially invited to speak on stage at the eve ceremony held at Geumnamro, Donggu, Gwangju. This marks the first time that the Speaker of the National Assembly has taken the podium at the May 18 eve ceremony, an event organized by citizens.

Speaker Woo said, "Because they knew and felt the spirit of May 18 Gwangju, people came to the National Assembly without any fear and stood against the martial law forces," and added, "The history of Korean democracy is one in which the single step taken by Gwangju has paved countless new paths."

Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung attended the 45th anniversary eve event of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement held on the 17th at Geumnamro, Donggu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and led the singing of the March for the Beloved. From the left, Mayor Kang Gijeong of Gwangju, candidate Lee, and National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonsik. Photo by Yonhap News

He continued, "It is because of Gwangju in May that we have a proud Republic of Korea," and stated, "The torch of May 1980 has, after 45 years, once again filled the square with candlelight and cheering sticks." He further added, "The conscience and courage demonstrated by the citizens of Gwangju, who stood against the martial law forces in isolation, have strengthened our faith and hope in democracy."

Speaker Woo also emphasized, "There is no power that can defeat the people, and the belief that democracy prevails?this is the legacy of Gwangju in May."

Finally, he declared, "Gwangju in May not only proved the truth of the past but is also the force that protects our future," and pledged, "I will fulfill the National Assembly's responsibility so that the light of Gwangju may shine forever alongside democracy."