On the 17th anniversary of the death of former President Kim Dae-jung, memorial events honoring his spirit of democracy, peace, and human rights took place across Gwangju, South Korea.
A memorial service was held on the morning of August 18 at the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall in Mokpo.
The event was attended by over 100 local dignitaries and citizens, including Min Hyung-bae, the Mayor of Gwangju, Song Hyung-gon, the Chair of the City Council, Kim Dae-jung, the Superintendent of Education, Kang Seong-hwi, the Mayor of Mokpo, and Lee Hyung-wan, the Chair of the Mokpo City Council.
The service began with remarks from Kim Seon-tae, the Deputy Director of the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall, followed by flower offerings, commemorative speeches, and a tribute performance by soprano Moon Anna. Attendees reflected on the values of democracy, peace, and human rights that Kim Dae-jung championed.
Following the memorial service, a special exhibition marking the 17th anniversary of his passing was inaugurated at the memorial hall's convention center. After opening remarks by Kim Jeong-hyun, the director of the memorial hall, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, allowing attendees to leave messages of remembrance and peace on the ribbon.
This special exhibition aims to highlight Kim Dae-jung's life and political philosophy, revisiting his commitment to democracy, human rights, and peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The memorial fervor continued in Gwangju.
At 6:30 PM, a memorial service and tribute performance were held at the Bitgoeul Citizen Culture Center, organized by the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Committee.
Mayor Min Hyung-bae, Moon Gi-jeon, the Chair of the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Committee, and Bae Gi-seon, the Secretary General of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation, attended to honor the legacy and spirit of the late president. Citizens joined soprano Hong Seon-hee in singing the tribute song 'You Are Us.'
At 7 PM, the memorial play 'Death Row Inmate Kim Dae-jung' was staged.
The play depicts Kim Dae-jung's life from his arrest on May 17, 1980, to his exile in the United States in December 1982, showcasing his struggles and convictions for democracy while facing threats to his life under a military regime.
Moon Gi-jeon, Chair of the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Committee, expressed hope that the event would share the humanity and self-reflection of 'human Kim Dae-jung,' who maintained his love for humanity despite the anguish and fear of death he faced as a death row inmate. He added that he hopes it serves as a moment to reconsider the meaning of 'active conscience' that President Kim emphasized.
Mayor Min Hyung-bae highlighted that Kim Dae-jung raised the issue of discrimination against the Honam region as a matter of justice and equality that South Korea must address, paving the way for local autonomy.
Min Hyung-bae stated, 'The equal opportunities that President Kim Dae-jung longed for are awakening the potential of Gwangju. Together with 3.2 million citizens, we will create a just and prosperous Gwangju, where those who have lived righteously can thrive, and overwhelming growth leads to a better life for our citizens.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.