It has been 38 years since the Gwangju Democratization Movement of May 18, 1980. The pro-democracy uprising against the authoritarian rule of Chun Doo-hwan has gained special attention under President Moon Jae-in, who visited the southwestern city last year to take part in the commemorative event. Rather than giving a routine speech, the President paid a sincere tribute, even hugging a woman who lost her father in the uprising.
President Moon skipped the event this year amid preparations for his upcoming May 22 summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Given the importance of the Korea-U.S. summit, it is understandable that he sat out the event this year and sent Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon instead. The prime minister, who formerly served as governor of South Jeolla Province, fought back tears during his speech which highlighted the need to heal the scars of Gwangju citizens who suffered from the uprising and bring justice to those responsible. “The full truth will be clarified in the future. I am deeply sorry for the crimes committed by the past government,” Lee said.
The prime minister said a fact-finding committee will form in September. So many years have passed since the movement, but there is much to be uncovered. There is still no exact data on the number of people who died during the movement, with the government and the committee representing the bereaved families of victims saying different things. There are still no definite findings about who ordered soldiers to open fire on civilians, one of the most controversial issues regarding the uprising.
Moon issued a message on the uprising this year, which focused on the women of Gwangju who suffered sexual abuse and violence during the suppression. Their stories have been largely unknown but it is meaningful that they are finally getting more attention in light of the #MeToo movement. Lately, there have been testimonies on the sexual assault and torture by the military and police. “The lives of ordinary daughters and sisters of Gwangju were ruined,” Moon said.
Chun triggered public outrage with his latest memoir where he said he had nothing to do with the massacre and that he was a victim of the uprising.
There are still grieving families who lost their loved ones and have lived their entire lives in pain due to state violence. Although it is too late, Chun should cooperate with the fact-finding efforts.