On May 18, 1980, the people of Gwangju, South Korea came together for reunification and an end to an era of martial law imposed by U.S.-backed military dictators.  Over the course of ten days, they staged mass protests, battled riot police and soldiers, and were met with brutal repression.  Together, they successfully drove the military out Gwangju and governed the city together.  Their actions changed the course of Korean history.

On today’s Making Contact, we hear from survivors of the Gwangju Uprising about how they took on the tasks of history and the lessons they carry.

Featuring:  

Lee Yoon Jung, President of the May Women’s Association

Ahn Sung Rye, Nurse Supervisor at Gwangju Gidok Hospital during the Gwangju Uprising

For more information:

A Taxi Driver https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbUwOP9HZQk 

Stirrings of Resistance https://www.thenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/stirrings-of-resistance-the-progressive.pdf 

The Legacy of the Gwangju Uprising https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNPlj0vArCg&feature=youtu.be 

Music Credits:

+rain – Jio Im 

우리의 소원은 통일 (Our Wish is Reunification) for Piano based on B.W. Ahn – Young Jo Lee

What Were We Holding Onto – Jio Im

March of the Beloved for News Tapa – Yojo and Ruben

July – Jio Im

1983 Song for News Tapa – Sulpa

Photo Credit:

May 18 Memorial Foundation

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