Kwangju, in the process of Korean Democratic Movement

Eugene Soh,

Executive Consultant of Kwangju Citizens’ Soldarity

In 1998, the entire nation of the Republic of Korea has witnessed the first transition of power through elections as well as world community. It was possible due to the never ceasing struggle of Koreans against their numerous dictatorial regimes …… Civilian and Military …… for a half of century.

In the process of achieving what the Koreans have today, one should remember the Kwangju Citizens’ Uprising in May 1980. It was the most dramatic and an unique event anyone can imagine.

It has never been seen anywhere in the world in contemporary history of mankind. It was a dramatic event because, a band of students and youth took up arms, barricaded themselves in the Municipal building, challenged the mighty military troops. Overwhelmingly supported by the whole community, they formed the ‘Pocket of Resistance’ and sent a brave message to the Military.

“You can kill us all. Kill us! And prove yourself to the whole world how barbaric you are. And you carry that burden into the rest of yourself.” Of-course, they lost the battle. But they won the war in the end.

It was an unique event because, there were no looting or a single robbery incident in the city of one million inhabitant during those turbulent 7 days.

But the price they had to pay was very steep indeed, more than 200 dead and thousands of people injured by shootings, beatings and stabbing.

And also, thousands of people were arrested and tortured. It is quite clear that the Kwangju Citizens’ Uprising was a turning point of the Democratic Movement in Korea.

Now, it’s becoming a text case for studying Democracy and Human Rights throughout the world.

Particularly, in the Asian countries who are vulnerable to such a danger.

Kwangju Citizens’ Solidarity set the 1st international Youth Camp for Human Rights and Peace in May 1996 in Kwangju, South Korea.

One hundred participants from 22 countries shared experiences that the Kwangju Citizens had and gave them some ideas what they can contribute to building a better world.

The 2nd international Youth Camp for Human Rights and Peace will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in October 1999. In 1998, the KCS organized the Asian Conference to declare Asian Human Rights Charter in Kwangju. In 1997, the KCS published the memoirs of foreign correspondents who had covered the Kwangju Uprising of May 1980. The title of the book is “Kwangju in the eyes of the World.”

The experiences of the students and citizens of Kwanguj is an event that should not be repeated. The issue of human rights and peace is a worldwide one. Many countries within the Asian community susceptible to power hungry civilians or military take-overs.

We as the KCS would like to share our past and lessons we have learned from the strength of our students the continuing lessons we have learned and continue to experiences as a democratic nation.