Calls Grow to Enshrine 'May Spirit' in Constitution Preamble as Citizen Demands Continue

The 'Night of Democracy,' a pre-event for the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, was held in Gwangju on May 16, 2026, under the theme 'Let's Recharge the Power of Democracy.' The event served as an occasion to reflect on the spirit with which Gwangju citizens fought for democracy in May 1980, within the context of today's citizen participation and democratic history. The event began with a Democratic Peace March, where approximately 2,000 citizens and social group participants gathered at historical sites of the May 18 uprising before heading toward Geumnam-ro. Participants marched with banners demanding 'Inclusion of the May Spirit in the Constitution Preamble' and signs such as 'May 18 Spirit, Into the Constitution!' and 'Let's Go! To the Provincial Hall!', recreating the fervor of the citizens from that time.

Meanwhile, the 'May Gwangju, Festival of Democracy' program, featuring 'May Citizen Festival,' unfolded in the Geumnam-ro area. Participants in 'RUN 5·18 - The Road to the Provincial Hall' ran from Chonnam National University to Democracy Square, reflecting on the meaning of May while shouting for democracy on historical grounds where the struggle took place.

On May 16, 2026, at 5:18 PM, the first part of the event began with a joint rendition of 'The March for the Beloved' in front of the Democracy Square fountain. Citizens observed a moment of silence to honor the sacrifices of the May martyrs. Following this, stage performances were held in two parts under the themes 'The Plaza Awakens' and 'Such Beautiful Flowers, Radiant Light.' The first part featured a recitation performance conveying the tragedy and significance of the 46-year-old struggle, 'Songs of May' with messages of remembrance, and speeches on democracy. The second part presented Korean democratic history as a continuous flow on stage, from the Donghak Peasant Revolution, the anti-Japanese independence movement, Jeju April 3rd incident, the April 19th Revolution, the May 18 Democratization Movement, the June Democracy Movement, candlelight vigils, to the recent December 3rd emergency martial law. Performances depicting democratic struggles from various eras were successively shown, during which citizens waved light sticks, reviving solidarity and memories of resistance from the citizens who defended democracy.

In his welcoming remarks, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung stated, 'We will continue to demand and fight for the inclusion of the May Spirit in the Constitution's preamble.' He added that by the 50th anniversary of May 18 in 2030, the complete liquidation of martial law and rebellion charges would be achieved, and democracy in daily life would be realized. Citizens expressed regret and condemnation over the recent failure to include the May 18 spirit in the constitutional preamble during parliamentary amendment discussions. Lee Seong-su (58) pointed out that enshrining the May 18 spirit in the Constitution is 'the minimum safety device for democracy to prevent the recurrence of dictatorship and illegal martial law,' criticizing its neglect as a 'regression of history.' Kim Jang-geon (48) highlighted the reality of repeated fake news distorting May 18, emphasizing that inclusion in the constitutional preamble is necessary to correct distortions and leave a history that future generations will not be ashamed of.

The organizing committee planned to hold the 'May, Towards Democracy in Daily Life!' May 18 Eve ceremony on May 17, 2026, to continue the commemorative events.