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May 18 People’s Uprising

The May 18 People’s Uprising is a historical event in which the people of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province protested against the oppression of Chun Doo-hwan and his military regime. The popular uprising lasted for ten days from May 18^th to the early morning of May 27^th, 1980, during which the citizens of Gwangju took to the streets shouting “End martial law” and “Eradicate Yushin forces,” risking their lives to fight for democracy. For five days during the protest, from May 22^nd to 26^th, the citizens forced the army to retreat from the city and liberated Gwangju, creating a self-governing community, the likes of which is rare in the history of the world.

After the civil militia was defeated by troops, the May 18 People’s Uprising was, for some time, denounced by authorities as a “riot instigated by North Korean influences.” However, thanks to those who tenaciously fought for the truth, the honor of the May 18 People’s Uprising has been fully restored. In 1995, the ‘Special Law on May 18 Democratization Movement’ was passed, so that those responsible for massacre during the uprising could be brought to justice even after the statute of limitations had run out. The spirit of the uprising continued through the will of the people until former presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-Woo, along with 92 others, were indicted for high treason and massacre. In 1997, the May 18 People’s Uprising was recognized as an official memorial day. In 2001, the victims were recognized as having provided distinguished service to democracy, and the May 18 Cemetery was elevated to the status of a national cemetery and renamed the National Cemetery for the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

The May 18 People’s Uprising was a catalyst for the June Struggle of 1987, a turning point in the history of Korea that led to the achievement of democracy and the restoration of civil rights.

The resistance, activism, and solidarity shown by the citizens of Gwangju and citizens all across this nation, from the May 18 People’s Uprising to the June Struggle of 1987, continues to gain recognition throughout the world as a remarkable example in the movement for democracy. UNESCO honored the significance of the May 18 People’s Uprising by inscribing relevant archives on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

Today, the May 18 People’s Uprising continues to serve as a valuable example for many Asian countries fighting dictatorship, giving direction to democratic growth. It is remembered by people all over the world as an outstanding and awe-inspiring moment in history. The citizens of Gwangju and of this nation carry the spirit of the May 18 People’s Uprising in their hearts, so that it can continue to guide us as we work through the challenges to democracy, human rights, peace, and unification today.