Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
President says 1980 pro-democracy spirit revived in resistance to 2024 martial law declaration
President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung, second from right, sing “March for the Beloved," a popular pro-democracy song, with other guests during the 46th anniversary ceremony of the Gwangju Uprising in Gwangju, Monday. Joint Press Corps
By Yi Whan-woo
President Lee Jae Myung said that the spirit of the Gwangju pro-democracy movement lives on and was revived in 2024 through peaceful public protests that helped overturn the imposition of martial law.
“Just as the citizens of Gwangju rose in defiance against martial law troops in May 1980, so too did the great people of Korea stand unarmed against armed martial law forces in 2024,” Lee said during a ceremony in Gwangju to mark the 46th anniversary of the uprising on Monday.
He referred to the Gwangju uprising, which began on May 18, 1980, against the military junta led by then-Gen. Chun Doo-hwan, and the monthslong movement that began on Dec. 3, 2024, opposing the imposition of martial law by ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Lee pointed out that, although Chun’s dictatorial regime brutally suppressed the Gwangju Uprising, the spirit of May “was revived through the conscience of countless citizens who chose to stand on the side of truth and justice.”
“The same spirit was reborn as the revolution of light on a bitter winter night in 2024, as citizens protected democracy by sharing warmth with one another,” he said.
“Today, I bow my head in deepest respect and remembrance before the noble souls of the democratic martyrs of May, who willingly made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy.”
The president extended his “heartfelt tribute and consolation” to the patriots and bereaved families of the pro-democracy movement, saying the country has been able to move forward on the path of democracy and prosperity “upon the unshakable foundation of the May 18 spirit.”
“Because of you, our democracy did not collapse at the turning points of our turbulent modern history. Because of you, it rose again and again. We shall never forget that noble spirit,” he said.
The president said the government will continue to document, compensate and honor the Gwangju Uprising for it to continue safeguarding the country’s future.
He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to include democratic ideals of the Gwangju Uprising in the preamble of the Constitution.
“The spirit of May — both the driving force that affirmed popular sovereignty and a source of immense pride in modern Korean history — must take even deeper root in our society,” he said.
The president said these efforts transcend political interests, urging both the ruling and opposition parties to demonstrate bipartisan resolve and leadership, as well as support of all citizens nationwide.
The commemoration ceremony was held at May 18 Democracy Square in front of the former South Jeolla Provincial Office building, which reopened on the day of the ceremony following restoration work that began in 2019.
The square is a historically significant site where various rallies and gatherings were held during the 1980 movement, with the fountain in the plaza serving as a makeshift stage.