45th Anniversary of the 5·18 Pre-festival, a Festival of Democracy for 20,000 Citizens
On the 17th, the eve of the 45th anniversary of the 5·18 Democracy Movement filled the area around the former Jeonnam Provincial Office, the last battle site of the citizens' army, with a crowd of 20,000 people.
The citizens who attended the pre-festival enjoyed the celebration of democracy while pledging to not forget the spirits of May who sacrificed for the present era.
This year's pre-festival held a special meaning for participants, unlike any before.
According to a report from News1, Kim Byung-jin (58), residing in Gwangju Dong-gu, said, "May contains both pain and hope. The pain of May has become the foundation of democracy and laid the cornerstone for the further development of the Republic of Korea."
Kim (70, female), who was present in Gwangju in May 1980, shed tears when asked about May.
She recalled, "During the 5·18, I went to the provincial office to distribute rice balls. I felt that the martial law was terribly wrong, and I packed rice balls into the car thinking that the students must be hungry." She also mentioned, "I attend the pre-festival every year, but this year seems to have more people than ever," and expressed her relief, saying, "It is a great fortune that the current generation has overcome this martial law and has not experienced the pain of martial law."
The Spirit of 5·18 Passing Through Generations
Lee Hyun-kyu (in his mid-70s) mentioned, "In May with good weather, I suffer from trauma," while saying, "Writer Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature for articulating the sorrows of May. This has been an immense consolation. I think this year's May is even more special."
Cho Byeok-ho (also in his 70s) said, "That day is still vivid. In May 45 years ago, many people died in Gwangju. However, this time, under Yoon Seok-yeol's martial law, not a drop of blood was shed," adding, "Isn't it nice that the weather cleared up after rain until yesterday? It’s a refreshing May. I hope the citizens enjoy it to the fullest."
For the younger generation, 5·18 is a living textbook. Lim Jin (16), who came to the 5·18 pre-festival for the first time holding her father's hand, said, "I thought I should learn about the dedication of the victims we studied in school." She expressed, "Thanks to their sacrifices, it seems the National Assembly was not occupied this time. I want to learn and feel this living history well and carry on that spirit."
For the younger generation, 5·18 is a living textbook.
Lee Ji-woo (23), a college student who attended the pre-festival with friends, stated, "I think May is a milestone for democracy."
He expressed a wish, saying, "Once this May is over, a presidential election will be held. I hope that the citizens will cast their precious votes for the right candidates so that the pain of martial law and May will not be repeated."
Image source: Labor organizations, including the Gwangju-Jeonnam Headquarters of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, participated in the Democratic Peace Parade at the 5·18 Democracy Movement 46th Anniversary Pre-festival held at Geumnamro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon of the 17th. 2025.5.17/News1. The 5·18 Democracy Movement 45th Anniversary Pre-festival was held on the afternoon of the 17th at Geumnamro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, where participants including Speaker Woo Won-sik and Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung shouted slogans. 2025.5.17/News1.
