From the Editor: September 2022

The revolving door is currently opening on the month of September, allowing in a cooling breeze unfamiliar to the sultry summer. Heralding this cooling are the seasonal terms of White Dew (백로, Sept. 8) and the Onset of Autumn (추분, Sept. 23), and we must not forget the biggest autumnal holiday of all: Chuseok (추석, Sept. 9–12). Coordinating with these seasonal temps, the Gwangju News offers you a “cool” issue of information and enjoyment for the entire month.

When thinking of sports that Korea excels in, the pentathlon is not one of the first to come to mind – but that is about to change! In both the Olympics and world cup competitions, Korea has been amassing pentathlon medals, and leading in the medal count is super-athlete Jun Woong-tae, sponsored by Gwangju City Hall. Read our cover-feature interview with gold medalist Jun.

As the temperature cools down, activities heat up. Coming soon to Gwangju is the annual World Human Rights Cities Forum at the Kimdaejung Conference Center. This year, the forum will be focusing on human rights in relation to the climate crisis. Read what one of the main speakers, Kim Gi-gon, has to say on this topic.

Our third feature is not so joyful. George Katsiaficas (who you may remember as a researcher on the 5.18 Gwangju Uprising) relates the life of his friend and activist, “Jimmy” Kyaw Min Yu, who was recently executed by the Myanmar military.

Piqued by the upcoming World Festival of Memories, this editor-in-chief reflects back on education in Korea when he first arrived on the peninsula half a century ago (see Language Teaching). Read about Numun-dong residents’ discontent with the slow but ongoing redevelopment project (see Lost in Gwangju). Traveling outside of Gwangju, you will be interested in Sacheon and the fabulous view from its coastal cable car (see Around Korea).

As usual, there is much, much more on offer within the pages of this month’s issue. At this juncture, the staff of the Gwangju News wishes you, your family, all of Gwangju, and all of Korea a very happy Chuseok holiday!

Remember to remain vigilant and stay Covid safe, and enjoy this month’s Gwangju News!

David Shaffer

Editor-in-Chief

Gwangju News