From Seoul, Busan, and Daegu to Geumnamro... Over 50,000 Gather

'May Democracy Grand Festival' Illuminates the Eve of May 18
Citizen Nanjang and Eve Ceremony... May Festival Fills Every Street
Politicians and Citizens Gather Together, Including Woo Wonsik and Lee Jaemyung
Recreating the Spirit of May Through Rice Ball Sharing and Performances

On the afternoon of the 17th, Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, and Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju, who attended the '45th Anniversary May 18 Democratic Uprising Eve Ceremony' held at Geumnamro, raised placards reading 'Inheriting the Spirit of May' and 'Building a World of Equality and Great Harmony' while shouting slogans. Provided by Gwangju City

In honor of the May spirits who went ahead, leaving behind neither love, honor, nor name, the living gathered in Gwangju today to hold the 'May Democracy Grand Festival.' Democratic citizens from across the country, visiting Gwangju with gratitude and welcomed warmly by the Gwangju community, once again recreated a world of great harmony at Geumnamro, the heart of the uprising, on the 45th anniversary of the 5·18 Democratic Movement.

The Gwangju City Government announced on the 18th that over 50,000 people gathered at Geumnamro on the afternoon of the 17th to enjoy the 'May Democracy Grand Festival' during the '45th Anniversary 5·18 Democratic Movement Eve Ceremony.'

The highlight of the 5·18 commemorative events, the Eve Ceremony, began with the 'May Road Welcoming Gut,' a ritual to greet the March for Democratic Peace. Over 2,500 people participated in the May Road Welcoming Gut. The main stage, specially arranged with seating on all four sides, was particularly meaningful as it symbolized Gwangju, the origin of democracy, welcoming democratic citizens from across the country and around the world.

Attendees included Mayor Kang Gijeong, National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonsik, Gwangju City Council Chairperson Shin Sujeong, Gwangju Superintendent of Education Lee Jeongseon, South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Yeongrok, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Governor Oh Younghun, and Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung.

Speaker Woo Wonsik stated, "Because Gwangju existed 45 years ago, and because of Gwangju's sacrifice and resolute struggle, democracy in the Republic of Korea was preserved. The people's victory over the 12·3 Martial Law is truly the victory of May Gwangju. This is the first time the Speaker of the National Assembly has been invited to the Eve Ceremony. I will take this as a solemn call for the National Assembly to join the people in further strengthening the democracy that Gwangju protected. Through enshrining the spirit of 5·18 in the preamble of the Constitution, which is both the people's wish and the calling of our era, we will clearly affirm that the power that has protected the Republic of Korea lies with the people, and I will fulfill the National Assembly's responsibility in this regard."

Mayor Kang Gijeong said, "I welcome the democrats from across the country and around the world who have come to Gwangju and filled Geumnamro. Geumnamro was the place where we fought against Chun Doohwan's martial law troops, and it was here that we gained the strength to block the 12·3 Martial Law. May 1980 in Gwangju was very frightening, lonely, and full of fear, but because democrats from across Korea called upon May, and peace-loving people from around the world visited Gwangju, the 5·18 became the flower of democracy, and Gwangju was able to bloom as a city of democracy and human rights."

Mayor Kang went on to express his gratitude to the National Assembly, which blocked the 12·3 Martial Law as defenders of democracy; to the youth who raised glow sticks in the cold winter; to the soldiers who hesitated before unjust orders; to the citizens and politicians who never stopped fasting, shaving their heads, or marching; to the farmers who crossed Namtaeryeong; to the YouTubers who spread the news from the square nationwide; to the citizens who contributed to fundraising efforts at every rally; to the singers who enlivened the square with songs and dances; and to the Constitutional Court justices who protected the Constitution with clear judgments.

On the afternoon of the 17th, at Geumnamro, over 50,000 attendees sang the "March for the Beloved" at the "45th Anniversary 5·18 Democratic Movement Eve Ceremony." Provided by Gwangju City

The Eve Ceremony, held to honor the May spirits and welcome democratic citizens to Gwangju, was divided into three main sections and included accompanying events. Part 1, the 'May Gwangju Welcoming Ceremony,' symbolized the Gwangju community's participation and preparation to welcome democratic citizens. It featured a moment of silence at exactly 5:18 p.m. dedicated to the May spirits, a medley of May songs by the May Music Ensemble, a choir performance by the Kumho High School Bit Choir, a crowd dance by Gwangju youth, the dance drama 'May Flowers Bloom Again,' and a performance by the May Mothers' House Choir.

At Geumnamro, new popular songs such as 'Into the New World' and the 5·18 anthem 'March for the Beloved' resounded joyfully and, at times, beautifully. These songs not only comforted the pain of May but also offered warm consolation to democratic citizens who had overcome the waves of martial law and impeachment.

Part 2, the 'Democracy Grand Festival,' was a stage for expressing the desire for victory in the democratic uprising. It included welcoming remarks from the Gwangju community, a musical performance, speeches by citizens and youth, and the proclamation of the May Democracy Declaration. Composer Kim Hyungseok delivered a message of peace and healing to May Gwangju through music, and singer Lee Eunmi moved the audience with songs of comfort and encouragement.

Part 3, the 'Concert of Light,' was designed as a space to envision a new world through the experiences of May 1980. The energetic indie band Ska Wakers opened with a passionate performance, followed by the legendary folk group Noreul Channeun Saramdeul, the Catholic Mass Band 'On Earth as It Is in Heaven,' and Baek Geumnyeol and the Candlelight Band's fusion folk and performance, carrying the festival's democratic spirit to the very end.

After the Eve Ceremony, participants marched to the former South Jeolla Provincial Government building and held a grand gathering at the 5·18 Democracy Plaza, marking the finale of the event. They reflected on the meaning of 5·18 and celebrated the victories of democracy today.

Prior to the Eve Ceremony, from 11 a.m. that day, the 'Citizen Nanjang' was held around Geumnamro and Jungang-ro, embodying the community of sharing and harmony from the citizen self-governance of 1980. Far more citizens than expected participated in the rice ball sharing event, experiencing the solidarity and sharing spirit of May. In particular, a variety of hands-on programs, street performances, special exhibitions, and photo zones proved very popular with visiting families.

At Jeonil Building 245, the May Theater Festival took place, while at the 5·18 Democracy Plaza, the 4·16 Choir and other democratic citizen choirs from across the country held a grand choral performance for democracy. Mission tour programs and other events were also organized to help citizens easily learn about the history of 5·18.

A citizen who participated in the Eve Ceremony said, "I joined because I wanted to teach my children, who did not experience May 1980, about the spirit of May. Making and sharing rice balls together was a meaningful experience."

Meanwhile, during the week commemorating the 45th anniversary of the 5·18 Democratic Movement, a variety of memorial and commemorative events will continue throughout Gwangju.