17th Anniversary of President Kim Dae-jung's Passing... Memorial Events Sweep Jeonnam Gwangju

A Series of Memorial Ceremonies and Performances Held in Mokpo and Gwangju

On August 18, a series of memorial events were held throughout Jeonnam Gwangju to mark the 17th anniversary of the passing of former President Kim Dae-jung. Citizens and prominent community figures gathered to honor his life dedicated to democracy, peace, and human rights, pledging to carry on the "Spirit of Kim Dae-jung."

The Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall held a 17th anniversary memorial ceremony in the exhibition hall on the first floor of the memorial in Mokpo on the morning of the same day.

Min Hyungbae, Mayor of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, is seen performing a record ceremony with guests at the opening event of the special exhibition "Inner Records" commemorating the 17th anniversary of President Kim Dae-jung's passing, held on the 18th at the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall in Mokpo City. Provided by the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City

The ceremony was attended by Min Hyung-bae, Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City; Song Hyung-gon, Chair of the Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City Council; Kim Dae-jung, Superintendent of Education; Gang Seong-hwi, Mayor of Mokpo; Lee Hyeong-wan, Chair of the Mokpo City Council; as well as over 100 citizens and other key local figures.

Starting with a greeting from Kim Seontae, Vice Chairman of the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall, the program proceeded with a floral tribute, memorial speeches, and a tribute performance by soprano Moon Anna.

Attendees paid tribute to the late President by reflecting on his dedication to democracy, human rights, and peace on the Korean Peninsula, values he championed throughout his life despite adversity.

After the ceremony, an opening event for a special exhibition was held at the convention hall of the memorial. The event began with an opening address by Kim Jeonghyun, Director of the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall, followed by a ribbon-cutting and a record ceremony where participants left messages of remembrance and peace on the cut ribbons.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to uphold and pass on the values of democracy, peace, and human rights that former President Kim Dae-jung had championed, vowing to build a brighter future.

In the afternoon, the commemorative mood continued in Gwangju.

At 6:30 p.m., the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Association will host the 17th anniversary memorial ceremony and a commemorative performance for President Kim Dae-jung at the Bitgoeul Citizen Culture Center in Nam-gu.

Mayor Min Hyung-bae, Moon Gijeon, President of the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Association, and Bae Giseon, Secretary General of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation, will attend the event to honor President Kim's achievements and legacy. Attendees, together with soprano Hong Sunhee, plan to sing the commemorative song, "You Are Us."

From 7:00 p.m., a memorial play titled "Death Row Inmate Kim Dae-jung" will be staged.

The play dramatizes the hardships and anguish of former President Kim Dae-jung, from his arrest on May 17, 1980, through to his imprisonment and eventual exile to the United States in December 1982. It highlights both his unwavering commitment to democracy in the face of death threats and the social context of the times.

Moon Gijeon, President of the Kim Dae-jung Gwangju Memorial Association, said, "Through this event, we hope to share with citizens not only the image of 'Kim Dae-jung the human being,' who maintained self-reflection and humanity even in the face of suffering and fear as a death row inmate, but also the meaning of democratic values and the 'active conscience' that President Kim emphasized."

During the memorial ceremony, Mayor Min will underscore that President Kim Dae-jung raised the issue of discrimination against the Honam region not as a parochial concern, but as a matter of justice and equality that Korea as a whole must address.

Mayor Min intends to state, "President Kim Dae-jung elevated the issue of discrimination against Honam to a national issue of justice and equality that Korea must resolve and opened the path to local autonomy. The equal opportunities he long envisioned are awakening new possibilities in Jeonnam Gwangju," adding, "Together with our 3.2 million citizens, we will create a Jeonnam Gwangju where those who live righteously can prosper, and where overwhelming growth leads to better lives for all."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.