Governor Kim Youngrok Honors the Noble Intentions of Citizens in May 1980

Attendance at Democratic Peace March and Eve Festival
Marching with Citizens from Gwangju High School to Geumnam-ro
Emphasizing the Realization of Popular Sovereignty through Voting

Citizens including Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, and Kang Kijeong, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, are holding the Democratic Peace March, one of the events of the May 18 Eve Festival, on the afternoon of the 17th at Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On May 17, Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, attended the Democratic Peace March held in the Geumnam-ro area of Gwangju to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement. He marched with citizens from Gwangju High School to Geumnam-ro and reflected on the spirit of May 18 during the eve festival.

The Democratic Peace March and the eve festival were conducted in a solemn yet passionate atmosphere of civic consciousness. Members of the National Assembly from Jeonnam, civic groups from across the country, and families of the May 18 victims also participated in large numbers, adding significance to the event.

In particular, the Democratic Peace March, which was organized to honor the noble intentions of the citizens who filled Geumnam-ro with their fervent desire for democracy in May 1980, saw the participation of over 3,000 people, including residents of Jeonnam and Gwangju, civil society organizations, youth, and students. Participants marched approximately 2 kilometers, retracing the path once walked by citizens calling for democracy.

Governor Kim emphasized, "The blood shed by the spirits of May was never in vain," paying tribute to the victims and offering condolences to their families.

He continued, "We must act to prevent the shadow of martial law from falling again," urging vigilance in light of the current political situation and calling on people to demonstrate the power of the sovereign and the vote in the upcoming presidential election on June 3.

Following the Democratic Peace March, Governor Kim also attended the May 18 Eve Festival held in the Geumnam-ro area, participating in memorial performances and cultural events to reflect on the meaning of the democratization movement.

Jeonnam Province announced that it will continue to uphold the historical significance of the May 18 Democratization Movement, protect and promote the values of freedom, human rights, and peace, and pursue various policies and efforts to advance democracy and regional unity.