US professor: Gwangju Uprising's citizen soldiers were key to Korean democracy

George Katsiaficas, a retired professor of political sociology and history from Wentworth University in the United States, honored the victims of the May 18th Gwangju Uprising, stating that the citizen soldiers were instrumental in the development of South Korean democracy. He attended a memorial service held at the former Jeonnam Provincial Hall in Gwangju.

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Without the Gwangju citizen army, there would be no Gwangju Uprising. Without the Gwangju Uprising, there would be no Korean democracy.

Speaking in halting Korean, Katsiaficas, 77, emphasized the critical role of the Gwangju citizen army. "Without the Gwangju citizen army, there would be no Gwangju Uprising. Without the Gwangju Uprising, there would be no Korean democracy," he stated. Katsiaficas, known for his progressive views, previously served as a visiting professor at Chonnam National University's 5.18 Research Institute and Sociology Department from 2001-2002, 2007-2009, and 2016, researching the uprising's global democratic impact.

This visit marked Katsiaficas's return to Gwangju after more than a decade, reportedly his last trip to Korea due to health reasons. He was seen wearing a hat with the message "Free Palestine," drawing attention. He shared brief reflections, noting he had forgotten much of the Korean language after a long absence, before offering a toast to the spirits of the fallen.

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We survived, though we were kicked by military boots and hit by rifle butts. As survivors, we mourn those who sacrificed their lives here with shame and guilt.

The memorial service, held annually on May 27th at 6 a.m. – the time the crackdown concluded – is organized by the 5.18 Democratic Patriots Association and the 5.18 Victims Mutual Aid Society. Park Young-soon, who broadcasted the final message of the Gwangju Uprising, read the names of the fallen, expressing shame and guilt for surviving. She vowed to remember the spirit of resistance against injustice. The ceremony also included a tribute from Lee Heung-cheol, secretary-general of the 5.18 Victims Association, who noted the significance of the restored former provincial hall this year.

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I will not forget the spirit of resolute resistance against injustice. May you rest in peace.