Over 250 People from 25 Countries Join in Solidarity and Support
Pay Tribute to May 18 Spirits at the Democratic Cemetery
Donate 10 Million Won in Scholarships for Nurturing Future Generations
Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung is taking a commemorative photo holding a 'National AI Computing Center Attraction Prayer' banner together with members of the World Honam Association General Federation who visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery on the 4th. Provided by Gwangju City
On October 4, over 250 members of the Honam Association from 25 countries around the world visited Gwangju, a city of democracy, human rights, and peace, and pledged their support for attracting the National AI Computing Center to Gwangju.
To commemorate '2025 World Honam People's Day,' the association members visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, and paid tribute to the noble spirit of sacrifice. They sang the "March for the Beloved," placed Taegeukgi flags on the graves of the May 18 victims one by one, and reflected on the spirit of those who dedicated their lives to their country and to democracy.
Following the memorial service, the Honam Association donated a scholarship of 10 million won to the May 18 Memorial Foundation, practicing warm sharing for the cultivation of future generations. Beyond simple remembrance, they expressed their commitment to helping the next generation grow into responsible democratic citizens and put this commitment into action through sharing.
In his welcoming remarks, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung stated, "The reason why Gwangju, isolated in May 1980, could become a city of democracy was because of the solidarity and support of Honam people around the world. The history of Gwangju is a valuable achievement made possible by the love and dedication to democracy shown by Honam people everywhere."
In particular, the main agenda of the event was Gwangju's ongoing effort to attract the National AI Computing Center. Mayor Kang provided a detailed update on the current progress to the association members and asked them to leverage the global network and influence of Honam people to help resolve this critical regional issue.
In response, the association members pledged, "We will actively participate in attracting the National AI Computing Center so that our hometown, Gwangju, can become a key hub for the future artificial intelligence industry, and we will pool all our capabilities together."
This visit by the Honam Association members to Gwangju was part of the World Honam Association General Federation's three-day tour of Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk, held from October 2 to 4 under the leadership of President Lee Gija.
The General Federation, which consists of 60 chapters in 25 countries including the United States, China, Germany, Japan, Canada, Vietnam, and the Philippines, is not only strengthening the bonds among overseas Koreans but also making tangible contributions to the development of their hometowns, serving as a steadfast pillar for regional advancement.
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