May 1980 Gwangju Uprising Commemoration

Last May, the whole MAINS students went to Gwangju to participate in the peace conference and at the same time joined the commemoration at downtown Gwangju where the uprising took place.

It gave me goose bumps while the uprising was relived by the street drama. I saw many Koreans weeping. The big participation by the youth and students was also overwhelming. The “tear gas” smoke that covered the circle and the presence of young men in fatigue uniforms also gave us the feeling of “fear" and "anger” at the same time during that period.

The opera song from the background at one point was very moving while they were releasing a hot-air-balloon- like lantern into the air with burning candles that represent the soul and spirit of the fearless Koreans at that time who sacrificed their lives against Chun Doo-hwan dictatorship.

See for yourself the images of the commemoration shortly after this posting.