For those of you not too familiar with Korea's
modern history...
our Shin Se-min highlights the significance
of this day... what unfolded on May 18th,
1980 in Gwangju.
It's a day remembered nationwide.
For some it evokes bitter memories;... for
others, honor.
Marking the pro-democracy movement that took
place on this day 36 years ago,… most people
are reflecting and reminiscing on the historic
event that altered the political and social
landscape of Korea.
In 1980,… public opposition to martial law
led student activists in Gwangju to carry
out a string of demonstrations which triggered
a clash with the military forces deployed
by the authoritarian Chun Doo-hwan regime.
This pro-democracy movement took root, making
Gwangju the symbolic center for civic action,...
and now May 18th is widely remembered as the
day that gave birth to democracy in a struggling
nation.
"It was worth the sacrifice,... but to think
that my friends and brothers are laid here,...
it's hard every time I come."
Visitors share one voice on this day,... designated
as a national day of commemoration in 1997,...
to sustain Korea's democracy and help move
it in the right direction,... to ensure these
sacrifices were not in vain.
"Here at the Mangwoldong Memorial Cemetery,…
where the martyrs of the Gwangju pro-democracy
movements are laid to rest,… visitors create
this stone tower to honor the spirits of those
who have given their lives for the democracy
of the nation."
The building of the tower was once stalled
for more than two decades,... but resumed
with public support and continues to take
shape.
And now, not only does it represent community,
but also the united struggle and the spirit
of democracy that Korea continues to benefit
from today.
With every stone added, the contributions
of those who gave their lives are remembered,...
and the spirit of the movement is carried
on... to build a better nation.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News, Gwangju.
