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Chun Woo-won, a grandson of the late former military dictator President Chun Doo-hwan, officially apologized to the bereaved families of the victims of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising and to the citizens of Gwangju.
At around 10 a.m. on Friday, Chun Woo-won, the second son of the ex-dictator’s son, Chun Jae-yong, along with organizations related to the victims, held a meeting with the bereaved families and victims at the reception hall on the first floor of the May 18th Memorial Cultural Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju.
The junior Chun met with people, including Kim Gil-ja, the mother of the late Moon Jae-hak, a student militia student, Kim Tae-soo, who was shot in front of Gwangju prison on the evening of May 21 and suffered trauma for a long time, and Kim Kwan, a victim of assault and detention.
The uprising began on May 18, 1980 as a response to a coup d'etat which solidified Chun Doo-hwan's military regime over South Korea. The military arrested opposition leaders, closed all universities, banned political activities and censored the press. It also violently suppressed the uprising, killing and torturing hundreds of people.
The junior Chun said his grandfather, Chun Doo-hwan, was “a criminal, a murderer,” and a member of the family who “committed a very serious crime” during the uprising. He thanked people who gave “such a precious opportunity to an ugly sinner like me.”
Expressing his sincere apology for coming so late, he said, “I know there are many victims. I am sorry to the extent that I recognize that my coming has hurt you, and thank you for giving me a precious opportunity.”
“Despite so much sacrifice and suffering from the Japanese colonial period to the military dictatorship, my grandfather, Chun Doo-hwan, failed to promote the development of democracy and instead allowed democracy to flow in reverse,” he said.
After finishing the press conference, Chun visited the memorial and sublimation space located in the May 18th Memorial Cultural Center, and moved to the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju at around 11:30 a.m. to pay his respects to those who lost their lives during the uprising.
Gwangju was my first time in the world. Gwangju, where I was born and arrived, is enclosed by the foot of Mudeung Mountain, where alluring Mother Nature and the metropolis center harmonize. This city, which holds a special place in my heart, is my first home, a tapestry woven from childhood memories and familiar streets, but this visit was distinct. The familiar unknown city has left me with a faint longing for all those years, although the footsteps of childhood remain clear. Returning to Gwangju, as the world was still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, felt like a homecoming intertwined with the journey of rediscovery. Thus, I embarked on a journey of connecting the past and present for two months.
The landscape of Gwangju (Photo by Yeonjae Ha)
Gwangju in April is a sight to behold, with an abundance of vibrant spring flowers in full bloom, filling the air with their delightful fragrance. Despite the slight chill in the air, envious of the blooming flowers, the temperature was just right, providing a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. Upon my arrival in Gwangju, I headed straight to my grandmother's house, conveniently located right in front of Chonnam National University, a renowned university in the Jeolla-do region. Taking a leisurely stroll on the university campus on a cool and breezy evening, I could sense the liveliness and energy emanating from the students and the bustling playground. It was a refreshing experience, symbolizing the rejuvenation and resilience of Gwangju after the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chonnam National University stands out as the pride of Gwangju, being recognized as the city's premier educational institution, while Chosun University holds its own as one of the top three private universities in the area. The College of Medicine and the Arts at Chosun University is particularly renowned, and the campus itself boasts a charming European architectural style that captivates onlookers with its beauty.
Spring Flower Festival (Photo by Yeonjae Ha)
As the warm May weather enveloped the city, the spring flowers of Chosun University are now blooming in all their glory. This led to the organization of a delightful spring flower festival a few days later, my grandmothers and relatives, gathered to admire the vibrant blooms that adorned the campus grounds. Among the various flowers on display, roses stood out as the most prevalent, creating a picturesque scene that harmonized perfectly with the university's exotic surroundings. As the day progressed and the temperature rose, I indulged in some refreshing shaved ice with my family, followed by a satisfying meal of spring greens, and seasonal delicacies. It was a day filled with culinary delights and heartwarming experiences that left me feeling content and grateful.
Entrance of Street of Arts, Chungjang-ro (Photo by Yeonjae Ha)
Law fish from Malbau Market (Photo by Yeonjae Ha)
Gwangju has always been known as a great place to experience the flavors of Korean cuisine. The mild climate allows for the production of high-quality agricultural products, including fruits and tea leaves. Additionally, the city's proximity to the sea ensures a wide variety of fresh seafood. This abundance of ingredients has led to the establishment of numerous Korean restaurants and bustling traditional markets. Among them, Malbau Market stands out as the largest and most popular. Situated between the university and downtown areas, it attracts people of all ages and genders. Every morning, the market receives a fresh supply of ingredients, resulting in exceptional dishes. While all the food at Malbau Market is delicious, the seasonal raw fish are particularly outstanding.
Starting the new semester meant saying goodbye to Gwangju after a two-month hiatus. Despite leaving, the deep connection to my hometown filled me with understanding and love, making this departure more than just a return home. These ties will forever bind me to my first city, a place that never ceases to amaze and motivate me even in a post-pandemic world.