245 bullet marks at Jeon-il Building and the 'Starbucks Tank Day' incident [May Road Story]

Jeon-il Building 245, located in Gwangju, South Korea, stands as a stark reminder of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, bearing 245 bullet marks attributed to martial law forces' helicopter gunfire. The building, originally housing regional media outlets, was acquired by the Gwangju Metropolitan City in 2011. Plans to demolish it for a parking tower were halted when its significance as a historical site of the uprising was recognized, leading to its renovation as a complex cultural space.

During the 2016 renovation, a significant number of bullet marks were unexpectedly discovered. Subsequent detailed analysis by the National Forensic Service confirmed they were likely the result of helicopter gunfire during the uprising. These findings provide critical evidence supporting eyewitness accounts, including those from Father Cho Bi-oh and Reverend Arnold Peterson, who reported witnessing helicopter machine-gun fire on May 21, 1980. The marks, found on the 10th floor, are displayed on a glass walkway, allowing visitors to see the dense pattern of bullet impacts on concrete pillars and ceiling finishes, suggesting a sustained barrage.

The building now houses exhibits dedicated to the 5.18 Uprising, including a diorama that recreates the tense atmosphere of the helicopter strafing. The discovery of these bullet marks has reignited debate about the martial law forces' actions. The military's claim of self-defense during the suppression of the uprising is challenged by evidence suggesting a deliberate and excessive use of force. If confirmed, the helicopter gunfire would represent a significant act of state violence against unarmed civilians.

Forensic analysis indicates the bullet trajectories suggest firing from helicopters hovering at an angle of approximately 40-50 degrees from above. At the time, no other tall buildings in the vicinity could have produced such marks. Jeon-il Building 245 now serves as a historical site, offering visitors a visceral connection to the events of the Gwangju Uprising through its preserved bullet marks and informative exhibits, underscoring the importance of confronting and understanding the past.