Tag: democracy

May 18

May 18 Foundation: Bringing the Truth of May 18 to Light

Gwangju News

The May 18 Foundation was founded in 1994 in order to help develop Korea through the spirit of struggle and solidarity of the May 18 Democratization Movement or Gwangju Uprising. Through various projects, the Foundation is committed to sharing the history of the May 18 Movement and its impact as the “foundation of democracy in Korea” at a national level, though it also promotes democracy and human rights at a global level. We meet Mr. Won Sun-seok, the chairperson of the May 18 Memorial Foundation, where he shares his personal account of the May 18 Democratization Movement, the Foundation, and his hope for the future.

May 18 Profile

Called by Another Name: A David Dolinger Memoir of 5.18

Gwangju News

When David Dolinger came to Korea as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1978, the situation was very different. In his incredible book Called by Another Name, which was co-authored by Matt Vanvolkenburg, he recounts how his experiences treating tuberculosis patients in rural Yeongam and witnessing the brutality of the 5.18 uprising changed the course of his life. While speaking with Dolinger (who holds a PhD in microbiology and immunology) during his recent trip to Gwangju, it quickly became apparent how the events surrounding 5.18 laid the foundation for his considerable scientific achievements as well as his lifelong commitment to helping those that are marginalized.

Photo Essay

“Mother of June”

Gwangju News

Gwangju mourned the death of a rather quiet but determined champion for democracy early last month: Bae Eun-sim; she was 82.

Human Rights Profile

Anon Nampa: The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights 2021 Awardee

Gwangju News

By Don Tajaroensuk. The past year has become an unforgettable one for Thailand’s democratic movement, with Anon Nampa occupying the frontline of democratic protests, challenging the untouchable taboo in Thailand … Read More

Profile

Hong Sung-dam: Born into a History of Struggle

Gwangju News

By Kang Jennis Hyun-suk. I took an express train bound for Mokpo to meet the artist for the June issue of the Gwangju News. The magazine was eager to have … Read More

May 18

Remembering the Gwangju Uprising: 5.18

Gwangju News

By C. Adam Volle. For many, the mere mention of “May” evokes pleasant thoughts of warm weather and joyful gatherings, but to the resident of Gwangju, “O-wol” (오월, May) quickly … Read More

Human Rights

Gwangju’s Human Rights Forum

Gwangju News

Co-organized by UCLG.Contributed by the UCLG-CSIPDHR Secretariat. The UCLG Committee on Social Inclusion, Participatory Democracy, and Human Rights (UCLG-CSIPDHR) is a global platform to advance local government networking on human … Read More

Profile

Bedjo Untung

Gwangju News

2020 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights Awardee. Interviewed by David Shaffer. Photographs courtesy of Bedjo Untung. The Gwangju Prize for Human Rights is an award given by the May 18 … Read More