Hello, I am Won Sun-seok,
Chairman of the 5·18 Memorial Foundation.
Since its establishment in 1994, the 5·18 Memorial Foundation has tirelessly pursued truth-finding, spirit inheritance, and commemorative projects related to the May 18 Democratization Movement.
Through continuous efforts and public participation and interest, May 18 was designated as a national memorial day in 1997. In 2011, the records of the May 18 Democratization Movement were inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. In 2021, the 5·18 Memorial Foundation achieved Special Consultative Status with the UN NGO Committee, and in 2022, the California State Legislature established May 18 as a memorial day.
However, the truth-finding regarding May 18 is still ongoing, and human rights violations continue in various parts of the world, including Myanmar.
We learned from May 1980 that democracy becomes stronger through constant participation and struggle.
The community, resistance, sharing, and solidarity of May.
These are the reasons why we commemorate and inherit the spirit of May 18.
We will use the foundation's 30th anniversary in 2024 as an opportunity for further growth.
We aim to establish a stable operational base and enhance our international standing.
By standing in solidarity with people from around the world who yearn for democracy, we will honor the spirit of May that shines globally.
Thank you.
Through continuous efforts and public participation and interest, May 18 was designated as a national memorial day in 1997. In 2011, the records of the May 18 Democratization Movement were inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. In 2021, the 5·18 Memorial Foundation achieved Special Consultative Status with the UN NGO Committee, and in 2022, the California State Legislature established May 18 as a memorial day.
However, the truth-finding regarding May 18 is still ongoing, and human rights violations continue in various parts of the world, including Myanmar.
We learned from May 1980 that democracy becomes stronger through constant participation and struggle.
The community, resistance, sharing, and solidarity of May.
These are the reasons why we commemorate and inherit the spirit of May 18.
We will use the foundation's 30th anniversary in 2024 as an opportunity for further growth.
We aim to establish a stable operational base and enhance our international standing.
By standing in solidarity with people from around the world who yearn for democracy, we will honor the spirit of May that shines globally.
Thank you.
Chairman of the 5·18 Memorial FoundationWon Sun-seok