S. Korean gov't commemorates 38th anniversary of May 18th Democracy Movement in Gwangju
제38주년 518 민주화운동 기념식 열려
Today marks the 38th anniversary of the May 18th democratic movement,... which took place in the southern city of Gwangju,... in 1980.
Our correspondent Park Ji-won has this report about today's ceremony in Gwangju.
The government-organized ceremony for the 38th anniversary of the May 18th Democratic Movement was held Friday morning,... at the May 18th National Cemetery,... in Gwangju.
Some five thousand participants,.. including bereaved family members of the victims,... citizens, students, and politicians,... attended the event.
In his speech,... Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon vowed that the government will work hard to find the truth about what happened,... much of which,... such as who first gave the order to open fire on civilians,... is still not known.
I believe when the special truth committee on the democratic movement,... formed according to a special act on May 18th enacted during the Moon administration,... is launched in September,... the committee will clearly reveal all the truth, without any restrictions or any doubts.
The Prime Minister also called the democratic movement the 'victory of justice',... saying that Korea will always remember the sacrifices of Gwangju that contributed to the nation's democracy.
Although never confirmed,... it is widely thought that there are some five thousand victims of the massacre,.. including over 160 deaths,... hundreds of others missing,... and thousands injured.
Victims and bereaved family members still haven't gotten over the grief.
I witnessed the scene, even though I was young. I saw dead bodies, crying family members, so every year, the scene comes up as a trauma.
My friends were shot many times, bleeding to death. I feel ashamed in front of all those martyrs.
Foreign participants also say South Korea's pro-democracy movement has become an inspiration to their countries too.
The spirit of Gwangju is from the minimum to the ultimate. That is, for example, housewives, they made food, but also fight. Daughters who made sacrifices in many, many ways, like giving blood, but the ultimatum is giving lives. This is great, this is something we need to learn.
What is also notable is that wives of a late foreign journalist, and pastors,... who recorded the massacre 38 years ago,... either with video cameras or through photographs,... to let the rest of the world to know the truth about what happened in Gwangju,... were also present at the ceremony,... remembering all those who fought for a just and democratic society.
The actions of the brave Gwangju citizens who stood up against the injustices of the military dictatorship,... even sacrificing their lives for the cause,... eventually led to the end of the military regimes,... and the start of true democracy in Korea.
Park Ji-won, Arirang News, Gwangju”
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Latest findings reveal U.S. responsibility in May 18 Democratic Uprising
미 언론인 518 민주화 운동에서 한국 정부 군 사용에 미국 책임 밝혀
Decades have passed since May 18 Democratic movement.
Much of the details of the historic uprising by ordinary citizens remain hidden or distorted... when it involved brutal violence and suppression.
Still today, efforts to reveal what happened on that fateful day in 1980 continues.
For our News features tonight, Lee Unshin sheds light on the latest findings.
Some 270 kilometers from the capital Seoul, in the nation's southwest, a city that's a symbol of the pro-democracy movement.
Gwangju made global headlines in 1980 for the May 18th Democracy Movement,... a civilian demonstration against the newly installed military government of Chun Doo-hwan.
But the peaceful demonstration was put down by some 20-thousand troops sent by the regime.
Beaten, tortured and gunned down by their own military, more than 150 civilians died and 3,000 were wounded.
37 years later, sites commemorating the victims are found throughout Gwangju, including a national cemetery and a memorial center.
But many who lived through that history... say the full truth of the crackdown has never been revealed.
Fact-finding continues... by the city, its residents and people from outside the community -- most recently new revelations about the army's use of force against students.
American journalist Tim Shorrock, who briefly lived in Korea as a child, has a lifetime's worth of records collected about the May 18th movement.
He shared his latest discovery from official U.S. documents that had been kept classified for decades.
The U.S. military intelligence had extensive information about the Chun Doo-hwan group..,Despite all this information about what happened, the US decided on May 22 1980 to use military force to end the Gwangju uprising.
The U.S. didn't command the use of force, but with South Korea's control of its military dependent on U.S. authority, it speaks volumes about the role of the U.S. in the inhumane treatment of local citizens.
The U.S. had received innacurate information from Korea, including many false reports, for example, that students were holding provincial government officials hostage.
The U.S. officials had known the information they were receiving was distorted and yet the officials still sided with Chun. Why?
They believed based on the perhaps on the distorted reports from Korean military and their own analysis from the CIA, that this rebellion could spread nationwide, and maybe bring down the S. Korean government. In this context, there was the Iran crises where students had seized the embassy in Iran, this was a huge crisis for the Carter administration. They did not want to have another national security crisis in Korea. They decided that the Korean military was the only force here that could preserve stability.
Shorrock is working closely with the 5.18 Archive, which contains articles, journals, photos, and tapes of the period collected by the city.
Many of these, recognized as UNESCO world heritage.
This document from June 2 is evidence that media censorship altered the content after the movement.
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South Korea marks 37th anniversary of May 18 Democracy Movement
문재인 정부 첫 5.18 기념식…'역대 최대' 1만명 참여
Today marks the 37th anniversary of the May 18th Democracy Movement.
It's widely considered by historians to be one of the most important events in Korea's post-war history, leading to the eventual downfall of the country's military dictatorship.
A number of large ceremonies are being held to mark the occasion, with over ten-thousand people expected to gather at the May 18th National Cemetery in the southwestern city of Gwangju.
The anthem, March of the Beloved, which honors victims of the movement in Gwangju, will be sung in unison by the crowd for the first time since 2009.
Former president Lee Myung-bak had ordered that choirs sing the song at the ceremony, following controversies over its lyrics.
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5/18 Remembering history of May 18 Democracy Movement
5.18 민주화 운동
Today marks the 36th anniversary of the May 18th pro-democracy movement,... a day as important now for Korea as it was more than three-and-a-half decades ago.
The movement laid the groundwork for the democracy South Koreans enjoy today.
For more on what unfolded on this day in 1980 in the southwestern city of Gwangju,... our Shin Se-min reports.
It's a day remembered nationwide. For some it holds 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 campaign to overthrow the authoritarian Chun Doo-hwan regime.
In response, Chun deployed special military forces to suppress civilians and employed brutal force … killing some 200 and wounding countless others.
This pro-democracy movement took root, making Gwangju the symbolic center for civil action... and now May 18 is widely remembered as the day that gave birth to democracy in a struggling nation.
I come by and see my friends and brothers... We all went through that time together... It's emotional and hard every time I come.
For the daughter of one May 18 activist, this year's anniversary is all the more poignant. Her father has been in the hospital in critical condition since last November, after being knocked to the ground by police water cannons during a government protest.
It's an event that cannot be forgotten... and seeing my dad still going through such tough times,... I don't have much to say.
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 this tower was once stalled for more than two decades,... but resumed with public support and continues to take shape, piece by piece.
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.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News, Gwangju.
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S.Korea marks 35th anniv. of May 18 Gwangju Uprising / YTN
South Korea marks the 35th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising today (Monday).
In 1980, pro-democracy citizens in the southwestern city of Gwangju clashed with paratroopers led by former Army general-turned-President Chun Doo-Hwan. The uprising left hundreds dead.
Top politicians, including the ruling and opposition party leaders, and senior government officials attended the government-organized ceremony to commemorate the anniversary at the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju.
However, the committee for the May 18th event held a separate commemorating ceremony in the city due to rows with the government over a symbolic song for the uprising.
Thousands of people gathered in Seoul and Gwangju on the eve of the anniversary to pay tribute to the uprising victims.
▶ 기사 원문 :
▶ 제보 안내 : 모바일앱, 8585@ytn.co.kr, #2424
▣ YTN 유튜브 채널 구독 :
[ 한국 뉴스 채널 와이티엔 / Korea News Channel YTN ]
Advancer #5 National Cemetery, Repulic of Korea 10/15/2013
Seoul, Republic of Korea
15 October 2013
The Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu is the country's only national cemetery established in 1956 by President Syngman Rhee. It is where war veterans, patriots, presidents, generals and other fallen heroes during the Korean independence movement, Korean War, and Vietnam War are buried. It is a beautiful place where bereaved families and visitors can peacefully pay their respects and remember the dead.
* * *
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S. Korean gov't commemorates 38th anniversary of May 18th Democracy Movement in Gwangju
제38주년 518 민주화운동 기념식 열려
The government-organized ceremony for the 38th anniversary of the May
18th Democratic Movement was held Friday morning at the May 18th
National Cemetery in Gwangju.
Some five thousand participants, including bereaved family members of
the victims, citizens, students, and politicians, attended the event.
In his speech, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon vowed that the government
will work hard to find the truth about what happened, much of which,
such as who first gave the order to open fire on civilians, is still
not known.
I believe when the special truth committee on the democratic
movement, formed according to a special act on May 18th enacted during
the Moon administration, is launched in September, the committee will
clearly reveal all the truth, without any restrictions or any doubts.
The Prime Minister also called the democratic movement the 'victory of
justice', saying that Korea will always remember the sacrifices of
Gwangju that contributed to the nation's democracy.
Although never confirmed, it is widely thought that there are some
five thousand victims of the massacre, including over 160 deaths,
hundreds of others missing, and thousands injured.
Victims and bereaved family members still haven't gotten over the grief.
I witnessed the scene, even though I was young. I saw dead
bodies, crying family members, so every year, the scene comes up as a
trauma.
My friends were shot many times, bleeding to death. I feel ashamed in
front of all those martyrs.
Foreign participants also say South Korea's pro-democracy movement has
become an inspiration to their countries too.
The spirit of Gwangju is from the minimum to the ultimate. That is,
for example, housewives, they made food for those who fight. Those who
made sacrifices in many, many ways, like giving blood, but the
ultimatum is to give lives. This is great, this is something we need
to learn.
What is also notable is that wives of a late foreign journalist, and
pastors, who recorded the massacre 38 years ago, either with video
cameras or through photographs, to let the rest of the world to know
the truth about what happened in Gwangju, were also present at the
ceremony, remembering all those who fought for a just and democratic
society.
The actions of the brave Gwangju citizens who stood up against the
injustices of the military dictatorship, even sacrificing their lives
for the cause, eventually led to the end of the military regimes, and
the start of true democracy in Korea.
Park Ji-won, Arirang News, Gwangju.
Arirang News Facebook:
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Latest findings reveal U.S. responsibility in May 18 Democratic Uprising
미 언론인 518 민주화 운동에서 한국 정부 군 사용에 미국 책임 밝혀
Decades have passed since May 18 Democratic movement.
Much of the details of the historic uprising by ordinary citizens that involves brutal violence and suppression... remain hidden or distorted.
Lee Unshin sheds light on efforts to reveal what exactly happened on that fateful day in 1980.
Some 270 kilometers from the capital Seoul, in the nation's southwest, a city that's a symbol of the pro-democracy movement.
Gwangju made global headlines in 1980 for the May 18th Democracy Movement,... a civilian demonstration against the newly installed military government of Chun Doo-hwan.
But the peaceful demonstration was put down by some 20-thousand troops sent by the regime.
Beaten, tortured and gunned down by their own military, more than 150 civilians died and 3,000 were wounded.
37 years later, sites commemorating the victims are found throughout Gwangju, including a national cemetery and a memorial center.
But many who lived through that history... say the full truth of the crackdown has never been revealed.
Fact-finding continues... by the city, its residents and people from outside the community -- most recently new revelations about the army's use of force against students.
American journalist Tim Shorrock, who briefly lived in Korea as a child, has a lifetime's worth of records collected about the May 18th movement.
He shared his latest discovery from official U.S. documents that had been kept classified for decades.
The U.S. military intelligence had extensive information about the Chun Doo-hwan group..,Despite all this information about what happened, the US decided on May 22 1980 to use military force to end the Gwangju uprising.
The U.S. didn't command the use of force, but with South Korea's control of its military dependent on U.S. authority, it speaks volumes about the role of the U.S. in the inhumane treatment of local citizens.
The U.S. had received innacurate information from Korea, including many false reports, for example, that students were holding provincial government officials hostage.
The U.S. officials had known the information they were receiving was distorted and yet the officials still sided with Chun. Why?
They believed based on the perhaps on the distorted reports from Korean military and their own analysis from the CIA, that this rebellion could spread nationwide, and maybe bring down the S. Korean government. In this context, there was the Iran crises where students had seized the embassy in Iran, this was a huge crisis for the Carter administration. They did not want to have another national security crisis in Korea. They decided that the Korean military was the only force here that could preserve stability.
Shorrock is working closely with the 5.18 Archive, which contains articles, journals, photos, and tapes of the period collected by the city.
Many of these, recognized as UNESCO world heritage.
SOUTH KOREA: KWANGJU: POLICE CLASH WITH ACTIVISTS
Korean/Nat
Police in Seoul have clashed with activists trying to march to the U-S embassy demanding an end to the U-S military presence in South Korea.
Thursday's protest was timed with the 20th anniversary of a bloody civil uprising in the southern city of Kwangju. Activists usually mark the day with anti-U-S protests because of the pro-democracy movement in Kwangju.
On May 18, 1980, tens of thousands of Kwangju citizens rose up against the country's then-military junta.
Army troops ruthlessly cracked down on them, resulting in more than 200 deaths.
Thursday's troubles started as some 500 activists tried to make their way to the embassy.
The protesters - some carrying Yankee, go home! banners - were stopped about a city block from the U-S embassy.
As they ran into the police cordon, clashes erupted.
There were no reports of injuries or arrests.
The protest was organised to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the army's crackdown of the Kwangju uprising.
Activists and dissidents believe that Washington approved or condoned the South Korean military's ruthless suppression of the revolt.
For years now, they have used the occasion of the anniversary to call for an end to the U-S military presence in South Korea.
SOUNDBITE: (Korean)
The U-S forces in Korea must pay compensation for the all damages done to Koreans.
SUPER CAPTION: Jong Sup Kim, Planning Director of People's Action for Reform of the Unjust
The allegation of U-S approval stems from security arrangements, under which the American military commander in South Korea has the operational control of the South Korean military.
But Washington has repeatedly denied involvement in the Kwangju bloodbath.
The massacre was also remembered in Kwangju.
A few hundred family members who lost loved ones joined the president in saying prayers at the cemetery where victims are buried.
President Kim Dae-jung marked the 20th anniversary with an emotional speech.
SOUNDBITE: (Korean)
All the victims of the May 18 Movement, who are receiving or who will be receiving compensation, will be treated as contributors to democratization. We will also upgrade the May 18 Cemetery to a National Cemetery.
SUPER CAPTION: President Kim Dae-jung
It was on May 18, 1980, that tens of thousands of citizens of Kwangju rose up against the country's then military junta.
The army ruthlessly cracked down any dissent.
Troops - led by tanks - suppressed the rebellion, resulting in heavy casualties.
By official count, more than 200 people were killed and 18-hundred injured or wounded in the nine-day uprising.
Dissidents claim the death toll was much higher.
About three and a half thousand protesters were arrested and several hundred were convicted by military tribunals.
President Kim is the political symbol of Kwangju, the seat of the province from which he comes.
His arrest a day before the uprising fueled the protest.
In his speech on Thursday, he said he was in military detention when the uprising broke out and did not know of it for 40 days.
After refusing to cooperate with the military rulers, he was sentenced to death by a military court several months later.
After Washington's intervention, Kim had his death sentence reduced to life imprisonment two years later and was then allowed to leave the country for medical treatment in the United States.
He came back to Seoul in 1985 but was placed under house arrest.
Kwangju, which is more than 300 kilometres south of Seoul, carried the stigma of a rebel city until the coming of a civilian government in the early 1990s.
Then it was re-defined as a stand for democracy.
His election marked the first transfer of power to an opposition party.
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5/18 Korea remembers May 18 Democracy Movement
5.18 민주화 운동
As this is the 36th anniversary of that pro-democracy movement,... we maintain our focus on the historic event.
Shin Se-min highlights the significance of this day by listing 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.
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5/18 Korea remembers May 18 Democracy Movement
5.18 민주화 운동
Today marks the 36th anniversary of the May 18th pro-democracy movement,... a day as important now for Korea as it was more than three-and-a-half decades ago.
The movement laid the groundwork for the democracy South Koreans enjoy today.
For more on what unfolded on this day in 1980 in the southwestern city of Gwangju,... our Shin Se-min reports.
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.
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Korea marks 36th anniversary of May 18 Democratic Movement
제36주년 5.18 민주화운동 기념식
Our top story this afternoon...
A national ceremony to mark the 36th anniversary of the May 18th Democratic Movement was held this morning at a national cemetery in Korea's southwestern city of Gwangju.
Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn was the highest-ranking government official at the event.
He was joined by the leaders of Korea's three main political parties.
At the ceremony, Prime Minister Hwang said the May 18th Democratic Movement marked a watershed in Korea's democracy that paved the way for a more free and just society.
The families of the democratic movement victims and some three-thousand students were also in attendance at the ceremony.
A choir performed the signature song March for the Beloved and participants were free to sing along if the spirit moved them.
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S. Korean gov't commemorates 38th anniversary of May 18th Democractic Movement in Gwangju
제38주년 518 민주화운동 기념식 열려
May 18, 1980.
Ordinary citizens in Gwangju, died while standing up against an oppressive government.
Koreans remember the fallen heroes, as the democratic nation we see today may not exist without them
Park Ji-won starts us off with a special ceremony held in the city of lights to honor those who gave their lives to fuel a necessary change.
The government-organized ceremony for the 38th anniversary of the May 18th Democratic Movement was held Friday morning at the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju.
Some five thousand participants, including bereaved family members of the victims, citizens, students, and politicians, attended the event.
In his speech, Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon vowed that the government will work hard to find the truth about what happened, much of which, such as who first gave the order to open fire on civilians, is still not known.
I believe when the special truth committee on the democratic movement, formed according to a special act on May 18th enacted during the Moon administration, is launched in September, the committee will clearly reveal all the truth, without any restrictions or any doubts.
The Prime Minister also called the democratic movement the 'victory of justice', saying that Korea will always remember the sacrifices of Gwangju that contributed to the nation's democracy.
Although never confirmed, it is widely thought that there are some five thousand victims of the massacre, including over 160 deaths, hundreds of others missing, and thousands injured.
Victims and bereaved family members still haven't gotten over the grief.
I witnessed the scene, even though I was young. I saw dead bodies, crying family members, so every year, the scene comes up as a trauma.
My friends were shot many times, bleeding to death. I feel ashamed in front of all those martyrs.
Foreign participants also say South Korea's pro-democracy movement has become an inspiration to their countries too.
The spirit of Gwangju is from the minimum to the ultimate. That is, for example, housewives, they made food for those who fight. Those who made sacrifices in many, many ways, like giving blood, but the ultimatum is to give lives. This is great, this is something we need to learn.
What is also notable is that wives of a late foreign journalist, and pastors, who recorded the massacre 38 years ago, either with video cameras or through photographs, to let the rest of the world to know
the truth about what happened in Gwangju, were also present at the ceremony, remembering all those who fought for a just and democratic society.
The actions of the brave Gwangju citizens who stood up against the injustices of the military dictatorship, even sacrificing their lives for the cause, eventually led to the end of the military regimes, and the start of true democracy in Korea.
Park Ji-won, Arirang News, Gwangju.
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National Cemetery for the April 19th Revolution in Seoul, South Korea
S. Korean gov't commemorates 38th anniversary of May 18th Democracy Movement in Gwangju
38주년 518 민주화운동 기념식 열려
Today marks the 38th anniversary of May 18th democracy movement,... that took place in the southern city of Gwangju,... in 1980.
For more, we connect to our correspondent Park Ji-won,... who's in Gwangju now.
Jiwon.
Ji-yoon.
The government-organized ceremony for the 38th anniversary of the May 18th Democracy Movement was held this morning,... here at the May 18th National Cemetery,... in Gwangju.
Some five thousand participants,.. including bereaved family members of the victims,... citizens, students, and politicians,... attended the event.
In his speech at the event,... Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon vowed that the government will work hard to find the truth about what happened,... much of which,... such as who first gave the order to open fire on civilians,... is still not known.
He also said a special truth committee on the democratic movement will be launched in September,... and the committee will further investigate the tragic event.
Lee also called the democratic movement the 'victory of justice',... and said he will always remember the sacrifices of Gwangju that contributed to the nation's democracy.
Currently, there are some five thousand known victims of the massacre,.. including over 160 deaths,... hundreds of others missing,... and thousands injured.
And Ji-yoon,... what is particularly notable this year is that wives of a late foreign journalist, and pastors,... who bravely recorded the massacre 38 years ago here in Gwangju,... either with video cameras or through photographs,... to let the rest of the world to know the truth about what happened in Gwangju,... were also present at the ceremony.
Back to you, Jiyoon.
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Gwangju Uprising
[Anchor Lead]
A Defense Ministry special committee has begun its investigation into the military crackdown during the May 1980 democratic uprising in Gwangju, including allegations the army fired at demonstrators from a helicopter. The probe committee said it can also investigate claims of a secret burial at the Gwangju prison at the time of the protests, as testimony about this incident are coming forth in recent days.
[Pkg]
The Defense Ministry's special probe committee into the May 1980 pro-democracy uprising which was launched Monday has begun its activities in the city of Gwangju. Committee officials paid respects at a national cemetery in Gwangju commemorating victims of the democratic movement, and vowed that there would be no limit to the scope of their investigation. They also left open the possibility of looking into claims of a secret burial that allegedly took place at Gwangju prison during the protests, as related testimonies have come to light recently.
[Soundbite] Lee Geon-ri(Committee Chief) : If any concrete facts are confirmed during the investigation, we will notify the defense ministry or government of our findings.
The committee members have inspected a building left with traces of bullets that are believed to have been fired from a helicopter. They promised their best efforts to unveil the facts, saying that it can't be claimed that there was no shooting merely because no bullets were found. Civic groups demanded a proper investigation.
[Soundbite] Kim Hoo-sik(Association of Injured Victims from the 1980 Pro-democracy Uprising) : This should be an opportunity for the truth to come to light and history to be accurately filed.
The Defense Ministry's probe team will attempt to shed light on the helicopter crackdown incident and allegations that the military also considered ordering fighter jets to bomb the city. The committee will operate through November, conducting field inspections and testimony hearings.
5/18 Korea remembers May 18 Democracy Movement
5.18 민주화 운동
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.
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Korea's political leaders pay tribute to April 19th Revolution
419 기념식에 3당 지도부 참석 +대통령도 참배
It's April 19th here in Korea,... a day when Koreans remember the April 19th Revolution.
The movement was Korea's first-ever democratic uprising against the government,... taking place on this day in 1960.
Tens of thousands of people, mostly college students, rose up against election fraud by the then-President Rhee Syngman .
Around one-hundred-80 people died and thousands were injured in clashes with police.
The uprising led to Rhee stepping down as the country's autocratic leader one week later.
To remember the day,... President Park Geun-hye paid her tributes this morning at April 19th National Cemetery in northern Seoul.
The leaders of Korea's main political parties also attended ceremonies to commemorate the day.
The ruling Saenuri Party's interim leader Won Yoo-chul and the interim leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, Kim Chong-in... were both at the ceremony held at the cemetery.
Leader of the minor liberal Justice Party was also one of the attendees.
Co-leader of the centrist People's Party, Ahn Cheol-soo,... will soon pay tribute at a memorial set up in Democracy Park in the southern port city of Busan.
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Best Attractions and Places to See in Gwangju, South Korea
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List of Best Things to do in Gwangju, South Korea
Mudeungsan National Park
May 18th National Cemetery
Gwangju Folk Museum
Pungam Reservoir
1913 Songjeong Market
5.18 Memorial Park
Asia Culture Center
Kimdaejoong Convention Center
Gwangju Museum of Art
Mudeungsan Jeungsimsa Temple
Uprising Footage / KBS뉴스(News)
[Anchor Lead]
A rare video capturing scenes of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising has been unveiled to the public for the first time. The footage shows martial law commanders smiling after they seized the Jeollanamdo provincial government complex as well as the burial of remains at the Mangwoldong cemetery in Gwangju.
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Martial law troops take over the Jeollanamdo provincial government building in the early hours of May 27, 1980, claiming they are rooting out rioters. 17 citizen militia men were killed while 200 others were taken into custody. Just hours after the provincial building, which was the last battleground of the Gwangju democratic uprising, was subdued, key commanders of the new army visited the site. A person who flew in from a helicopter greets the commanders. He is then-defense minister Joo Young-bok. The video also shows Park Jun-byung, leader of the 20th Division which was called in to suppress the uprising, as well as chief commander So Jun-yeol, who was the official head of the martial law army. Army vice chief of staff Hwang Young-si is also spotted. He's known to have been a central figure in pushing for a tough crackdown within the new military. Shoulders are tapped, handshakes are exchanged. Then a smile spreads on the face of commander So who was in charge of the subjugation.
[Soundbite] Lee Jae-eui(May 18 Memorial Foundation) : The smiling troops indulged in a triumphant spirit are in stark contrast with the victims...
The May 18 Democratization Movement Archives in Gwangju unveiled this rare black and white video purchased from a private collector. It also captures never before witnessed gruesome scenes of dead bodies placed in the morgue and a burial site at the Mangwoldong cemetery. The archives have shown the film in a public viewing ahead of the 38th anniversary of the uprising. It will now work to locate the figures and places that appear in the video.