Many people talk of the cruelty of the May 18^th Democratic Uprising.

Let's go back 30 years. 

30 years ago… May 17^th.

Students are studying at library at Chonnam National University late at night. Suddenly, outside of the study room people begin to crowd and the noise of heavy footsteps and men barking orders. The students remain focused on their studying. However, Korean Special Forces break into the library and force the students out.

The next day… May 18^th

Students are standing at Chonnam National University gates waiting to get into school. They wonder why the soldiers are not letting them in. The students do not understand why Gwangju is under martial law. They protest against the soldiers, which result in the soldiers attacking them with clubs.

This is the beginning of the May 18^th Democratic Uprising. Still, if you go visit Main gate of Chonnam National University, you can find a monument like this. There are more than 20 of these monuments in Gwangju. Wherever this monument stands, that place is related to the May 18^th Democratic Uprising.

There are still inconsistencies between people. Some say it is a democratic uprising, meaning it helped to democratize Korea. Others say it is only a riot. It is nationally designated as a democratic uprising , or revolution so it is incorrect to say it is only a temporary riot.

Thirty years ago there were 720 thousand people were living in Gwangju, among them 5 thousand are dead or missing. We still remember the day and it will always breathe in our heart.