In Kim Dongsu's Hometown, Supsiljeong Village, Jangseong
The Institute for Democracy and Peace at Chosun University announced on the 23rd that it will co-host the "45th Anniversary Memorial Festival for the 5·18 People's Uprising and Martyr Kim Dongsu" together with the Kim Dongsu Memorial Association and the Jangseong 5·18 Democratization Movement Event Committee. The event will take place on the 24th in Supsiljeong Village, Samseo-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do.
This event has been organized to honor the noble spirit of Kim Dongsu (a third-year student in the Department of Electronic Engineering at Chosun University and the head of the Jeonnam Branch of the Korean University Students' Buddhist Association), who defended the Jeonnam Provincial Government Building until the very end during the 5·18 Democratization Movement, marking its 45th anniversary this year.
This year, the significance of the event is further deepened by the "Kim Dongsu Memorial Hall Plaque Unveiling Ceremony" held in the martyr's hometown. This space has been established not only as a place of remembrance but also as a regional hub for reflecting on democracy and civic consciousness in everyday life and for connecting with future generations.
Kim Dongsu, who is currently buried at the National May 18th Cemetery, was a "Student Countermeasure Committee" leader of the 5·18 uprising, who resisted to the end against the martial law forces' operation to suppress the Jeonnam Provincial Government Building on May 27, 1980. At the time, he was also the head of the Jeonnam Branch of the Korean University Students' Buddhist Association, actively participating in the Buddhist student movement and leading community practice efforts.
His noble sacrifice is deeply etched not only in the student community but also in the memory of Gwangju citizens, and the annual memorial ceremony in his honor continues to spread his spirit to this day.
This event will begin with Odosun, Secretary General, as the host. Jeong Hyesun, president of the Seosam Elementary School student council, and Park Seongman, vice president, both juniors of the martyr, will introduce Kim Dongsu's life. The program will continue with a memorial performance, memorial address, progress report on the memorial project, Gilgut (traditional street performance), the unveiling of the memorial hall plaque, and a flower offering ceremony. The "Kim Dongsu Memorial Hall" plaque features calligraphy by Youngmook Kang Byungin, a renowned Korean calligrapher, and was engraved by artist Bada Jeong Jinyoung, adding further significance.
Lee Jaesu, president of the Kim Dongsu Memorial Association, stated, "We aim to inherit the spirit of Martyr Kim Dongsu, remember his life, and create an opportunity for everyone involved to take a significant step toward democracy together," adding, "The Kim Dongsu Memorial Association will continue its efforts to carry on the legacy of the 5·18 People's Uprising and the spirit of Kim Dongsu, and will stand in solidarity with all those who share the will for democracy in this country."
Ji Byungkeun, director of the Institute for Democracy and Peace at Chosun University, said, "Chosun University will continue to work with the local community to carry on the legacy of Martyr Kim Dongsu and other democratic martyrs," adding, "We will persistently carry out various activities to foster democratic citizens and to spread the values of democracy."
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