Personal Reflection on the Red Festa Fastival

Thet Din's Refection on Red Festa 2008

1-Introduction
- Red Festa Festival

Red Festa is a May 18 Festival for the Youth, and it is an event in which the young reenact scenes of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by using red and exercising their creativity, hosted by Youth Committee for the May 18 Festival.

Red Festa is a big event in Gwangju City, South Korea for this year. It is within the auspices of the Youth Committee for the May 18 Festival and Education and Research Team and the May 18 Memorial Foundation. The colors and objective of the event would like to show about the modern democracy in South Korea, especially for the May 18 Democratic Uprising that had occurred on 18-25 May 2008 in Gwangju.

Red Festa started in 2005, this program educates youth and students in South Korea on Human Rights, Peace and Democracy, particularly youth in Gwangju City. The event for this year was celebrated on 24 May 2008 at Geumnam-ro, Gwangju (downtown road of Gwangju City) and it was a public event. Everyone could join in the event. The ideas were together by the youth and staff to decorate the place and easily understood by people. All participants can join and walk around from 2pm to 10pm on the Geumanam-ro Street, the street is closed for all vehicular activities. The title for this year’s celebration is “Emotion of the May 18 Democratic Uprising (Koum Soung)”


-Red Festa Conception

The Event was established whose main group targets are the youth and new generation for commemorating The May 18 Democratic Uprising, which is very important in the modern history of South Korea. A tragedy that is deep in the heart of Gwangju citizens. It was a dictatorship regime against with human rights and democracy, which had killed so many people. They had killed and did violence to the victims without thinking of gender or age, especially to the students. It is therefore important that the young generation should know and keep the memory of this history.

May 18, is usually the time to commemorate the anniversary of the 1984 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, for all the heroes who died and became victims who suffered the loss of their family member. Frequently, it is a general ceremony with formal occasion to respect and thank the dead for every thing they had done to sacrifice their life for Korea. Particularly to keep the memory of democratic uprising, so most of the people have to show their feelings of grief. It is also a way to getting the attention of the youth and young generation. The May 18 Memorial Foundation and The Youth Committee for the May 18 Festival view the importance of engaging all age and gender in the society. The Foundation had prepare a plan for youth understanding of may 18 historical value. And also more activists were engaged to improve The May 18 Democratic Uprising celebration. The youth will replace the old generation, so they should understand with consciousness the May 18, they will play the key role for society and protect human rights with peace and democracy in the future. This project was created by the Foundation for the youth and public and has wonder result.

- General Information on Red Festa 2008

The program is important program of the May 18 Memorial Foundation that focues on youth. This program was held on May 24, 2008 at Kumman Street, Gwangju City, South Korea (in front of the provincial hall) from 2.00pm to 10pm. It was a free public events for all participants have chance to learn with fun about The May 18 Democratic Uprising. The targets are the young generations and youth. Particularly, participants devised their own impression on the uprising “How they feel about Gwangju citizens endeavored to bring genuine democracy and human rights under Junta military leadership” through arts, music, and other creation mean, all of there are effective and useful ways to educate the young generation understanding the violations done to citizens during the military dictatorship.

-“Owol Ma Dang” Project on Red Festa 2008

Red Festa is rich of youth involvement both physical and mental participation. The Youth Committee for the May 18 Festival and Education and Research Team of the May 18 Memorial Foundation thought a lot of the deeply for impact and result of the program to the youth. Especially they use some strategic to get youth interest to The May 18 Democratic Uprising, Through listening to talks and other and giving them chance to reading, implement and be more responsible.

On the Red Festa day, most of youth had come up with their own various activities supported by different organizations. On that day not only the Education and Research Team (the May 18 Memorial Foundation) was involved but also other organizations.

The Education and Research team was responsible for the program called “Owol Ma Dang” it means “the May traditional Square” the conduct of small programs variety for the Red Festa.

First, a program call “Pi Chu Da” mean “Reflection” it had some mirrors with letter and flowers, white boxes and two monitors play a movie on the May 18, all participants could see and appreciate Gwangju citizens in 1980. Out side of the booth we had put some big papers for participants to draw.

Second, the program call “Man Na Da” it means “Meet” this program was made for participants could ask some questions or talk about May 18 and get answers from the specialist in the person of, Mr. Chanho Kim.

Third, “Chad da” it means “Find” this program is a chance for participants to become a new caster, it was a big program for Owol Ma Dang project. The modern technology and facility were prepared life a small studio, cameras, speakers, monitors and other materials were provided.

Fourth, “Buruda” it means “Sing” this program had two volunteers to teach participants of the Songs of May and other songs relevant.

Fifth, “Gri Da” mean “Draw” it was apart of “Pi Chu Da” but out side, participants drew picture in columns that has reference to May 18.

Sixth, it was a fantastic view to make red papers into airplane. Furthermore, participants could write a message to the heroes of the May 18, it was a program called “Na Li Da” or “Fly”.

Seventh, “Gada” program it means “Go” Participants walk to the provincial hall with a volunteer as guide, they were showed around and told about the history of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, especially what happened on 25 May. Every hour, tour is provided participants have a red umbrella to be recognized.

Eighth, “Jik Da means Take” the program had gives a chance for the participants to have their picture taken with the May 18 background. After 30 minutes they can get their picture printed.
And the last program call “Iid Da” it means “Read” we prepared some books, chairs, table and soft drink. They also get extra hot news issues in South Korea especially Mad Cow.

All of the 9 elements of the programs refer to the Emotion of the May 18. It shows both our physical and mental, facilities are relevant to show sympathy for Gwanju citizens, it is an important event to remind Gwangju citizens about patriotism and the struggles that brought democracy back in South Korea.

-Main Target

It was an amazing event for all people to enjoy and participate. The targets of the event are the youth and young generation in Gwangju, also, in Korea. Youths were the main are actors of the May 18 Uprising, so youth are getting the attention of political leaders, because they are the main pillar of the nation.


2-My Involvement

I had given assistance for all programs of Education and Research Team for the Red Festa. Although I was assigned in Pi Chu Da program, I participated to all of the work. I assisted in other programs and helped made some materials. For the Pi Chu Da Team I gave my ideas and discussed to the decorations to make it attractive to make it to participants’. During those times I had a chance to observe to Korean youth Team work.

We spend long time discussing on how we should make participant understand what we are doing. (Otherwise I had made a sign in English for foreign visitors in Pi Chu Da program aware with a part of May 18). After our discussion plan for decoration and meaning, I helped implement the plan to become a reality with Korea youth volunteers. We decided to get 2 big boxes to represent as monument of victims and the other 30 boxes stick poem and narrated story relevant to the May 18 Democratic Uprising for participants to understand to struggles and how to claim back their rights. Beside the monument boxes we had 4 meter length and 2 meter width for flower sticker. Last year Pi Chu Da had prepared some real flowers for monument, but a flower shops owner’s feet had that it is close to their place, they had thought that was a bad luck of their business. So this year we made use of flower sticker on the mirrors which is representative to fresh flower for all victims.

Anyway we had used two monitors to play documentary film about May 18, all participants could see and had feeling to appreciate Gwangju citizens in 1980.

Here is a message I had made for Pi Chu Da program, the title call Reflection of the May Flower,

“During the May 18 Democratic Uprising many Gwangju citizens were killed and assaulted by soldiers. People were arrested and suspected without due process. The victims of this martial law force’s brutality numbered 4,369 all told: 154 killed, 74 missing, 4,141 wounded (including those who died because of their injuries) and placed under arrest, but some people believe the number of victims would be more than this.

The mirror’s function is to reflect, it can show us how we look. But the mirror here is not only to see our appearance but it also shows us more than what we know. How deep is your imagination? What keeps you here in Gwangju, the place of freedom and democracy where blood of Gwangju citizens flowed? The May 18 Gwangju Democratic uprising was the catalyst for South Korea’s democratization for all of us and the young generation

I see some flowers on the mirrors, which looks very beautiful. So it should be given to victims and missing Gwangju citizens, who died for our nation, so we should give honor and respect and keep talking about it and keep it tradition alive for the generation to come. Please give the flower and bow to our heroes”,

At the end of the events I helped clear all items with the Education and Research Team. I joined and helped from the beginning until the end of the Pi Chu Da program, and also other programs of “Owol Ma Dang” project of Education Team of the May 18 Memorial Foundation.


3-My Observations on Red Festa

Budget, it just for 10 hours to enjoy and so much money was spent, South Korea is a developed country and has good economy, so they have capacity to support festivals and ceremonies like Red Festa.

Teamwork and cooperation among the May 18 Memorial Foundation and other organizations, it was not easy like we saw. Red Festa was an opportunity for all organizations to work together. It is also a chance for youth and volunteers, to have an opportunity to learn how to work with other people in society.
Youth empowerment, the Education and Research Team had done this through Red Festa. Students that volunteers of the May 18 Memorial Foundation have freedom to make their own decisions on what they want to do and with the Education team’s assistance.

Participants, by the time that I had joined the full day of Red Fasta, I believe that most of the participants were enjoying in the project so much. Our program added one and half hour more because of a lot of participants should up than our expectation.

Participation of participants, they were very active in singing, drawing, asking, playing, reading……..all of these were relevant to the strategy of Seeing, Listening and Working.

Good memory, it not just fun for participants but also they understand and learn how to do, exhibition work. This will make them understand and remember 18 Democratic Uprising.

Government cooperation, Youth Committee of the May 18 Festival had made good relationship with government for the good location of the event, it was a great job for NGOs and government to work together to improve citizens understanding about the May 18 and other issues.

Red Festa was a successful idea of improving youth in society and provides chance of learning between people with people, organization with organization and also between people with organization. It is a good strategy to get attention from the youth to commemorate the May event. It teaches the hearts and mind of young generation.

The Festival excites the minds of both the youth and Gwangju citizens, so I hope every year the Youth Committee of the May Festival, the May 18 Memorial Foundation, the Government and other organizations will always contribute and involve in this significant event.

Red Festa Festival

Red Festa Festival is a big one event in this year all the events at Gwangju City, South Korea. It is worked and lead by The Education and Research Team, The May 18 Memorial Foundation. The colors and objective of the event would like to show about the modern democracy in South Korea, especially for the May 18 Democratic Uprising that had occurred on from 18-25 May 2008.

This program educate youths in South Korea on Human Rights for Peace and Democratic, particularly youth in Gwangju City. The event in this year going to celibate on 24 May 2008 at Keumam Street (downtown of Gwangju City) and it is a public event; everyone can join and take look in that event day. Red Festa Festival had stared in 2006, it was put ideas together between youth and staff to decorate out look and easy understand of meaning. All participants can join and walk around from 02pm to 10pm at the place, the street going to ban for all vehicular drives. The titled in this year is “Emotion of The May 18 Democratic Uprising (Koum Soung)” that have 10 element programs. Emotion are would like to show the part of our physical and mental. It is a bit difficult to explain for the Emotion, but all of theses are relevant to citizens or youth to show sympathy for Gwanju citizens during The Uprising. It an important event to remind Gwangju citizens about patriotism of their hero struggled and give up theirs in the cause to bring democratic in South Korea.

Tumenbayar Chuluunbaatar is a 2007 International Intern in The May 18 Memorial Foundation

Mr. Tumenbayar Chuluunbaatar is from Mogolia

Tumenbayar Chuluunbaatar's background

I started my work experience as lawyer consultant for medical company which had a special focus on providing medical service for disadvantaged group of people such as retired, unemployed and disabled who can not afford quality service in private hospitals. As lawyer I was often involved in getting their health and social insurance. This experience gives me deep understanding what does mean the right to health, how this right needs to be accessible, affordable for all, how this need to be regulated by state policies and programmmes. My concern of the human rights situation made me to work in the Centre for Human Rights and Devlopment, NGO working actively in Mongolia on protection and promotion of human rights. In CHRD I work as assistant on the “Program for combating against human trafficking in Mongolia”. Our program has been working in following areas- Prevention, protection and prosecution of human trafficking crime, - Victimization, protecting victims - Ensuring effective prosecution and enforcement of laws. Also, I am involved as an assistant of coordination on law reform working group which aims to amend criminal code article 113 under the provision “Human buying and human selling”. I was involved in case analysis, comparative studies of legal provisions in different countries on trafficking. I am also responsible for coordination and preparation of logistics in organizing trainings for police officers at grassroots level from districts police offices of urban area and Ulaanbaatar, which was held from August to December, 2006I also coordinated and prepared logistical issues for working meeting on amending and changing the Advertisement Law which is held on 18th January, 2007. Working as a assistant on coordinating advocates working group where protecting victims of human trafficking crime. I am friendly, easy for communication, like singing and playing on guitar. Last seven months I have been working on human rights field. Everyday, in my work place I listen and get knowledge on problems and issues related to violation of human rights in my country and other countries, too. Therefore, I think that issues about human rights, democracy and peace are not only our country issues, it is also relevant and connecting to all countries and earth, as well . Hence, every countries and people need to join or work together to protect, combat for and promote human rights, democracy and peace. From these reasons I am applying for human rights internship to the May 18 Foundation in Gwangui, South Korea. Because I have goals where I want to learn and improve my skills and knowledge by referred below. These are:- Learn and exchange information about experiences, skills and present condition of human rights on South Korea and other countries from friends who will join to this internship.- Build good communications among human rights defenders through sharing news or information - Introduce to participants about present human rights condition of Mongolia.Finally, by involving in this program I will improve my knowledge on human rights, democracy and peace and improve my working skills at regional level. Also, I want to make a network among civil societies and develop partnership work with NGOs and people who are protecting human rights.

Tumenbayar Chulunnbaatar made his final report presentation

Ms. Thency Gunasekaran is 2007 International Intern in The May 18 Memorial Foundation

Ms. Thency Gunasekaran from Malaysia

The journey towards becoming a modern and democratic society has not been an easy one for Korea. The Kwangju Uprising that took place in May 1980 is a major event that has played a key role in shaping Korean politics as we see it today. What began as a student protest in the city of Kwangju escalated and became an armed civilian struggle. The government troops then enacted brutal acts of violence on the citizens of this southwestern city. Although the 10-day struggle ended in military suppression, this particular event, also known as the May 18 Uprising is undeniably one of the most important and significant events that has helped shape South Korean democracy and politics, especially in the 1980 and 1990s.

A lot of research has been done on the Uprising. Various articles written, song sung, documentation done. However, little documentation has been done on the women's experiences during this Uprising. Very little documentation has been done on the roles that the women played during this Uprising.

This research paper aims to document the voice of the women who experienced, contributed, participated and actively shaped the May 18 Uprising in 1980. This paper will document the roles that women have played during this uprising. it cannot be denied that women are an integral and important of any society. As such, there is a need to accord these women the recognition due to them.

She was doing final presentation

Read some stories are available here,

The Story of JeonOK-JU http://joonsfamily.com/index.php?s=150610d74c1de08ee29b1f8fdb59f034&showtopic=17379&st=40.com

The Story of Anh Sung-Ryea http://joonsfamily.com/index.php?s=150610d74c1de08ee29b1f8fdb59f034&showtopic=17379&st=40.com

The Story of Hong Geumsug http://gshin.chonnam.ac.kr/cnu518.com

Thency Gunasekaran talking about her self

I’m Thency and by nature I am a very friendly, energetic, passionate, adaptable and practical person. Professionally I enjoy exploring new ideas and concepts, looking for innovative ways to solve any problems or situations that might arise during the course of my work. I like to try different ways of doing things instead of always following what has been tried and tested. I am able to work independently with minimum supervision but at the same time I am also able to work in a team.

My passion lies in human rights issues with a special focus on trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labor. I consider human trafficking a form of slavery and believe it should be eradicated with utmost vigor. In recent times I have been working with marginalized communities using a rights based approach as well as active participation from the community itself. This has served to remind me of the importance of knowing one’s rights to be able to actually claim them when they are violated. I strongly believe that education and awareness are very vital elements when we talk about rights and democracy. By education I’m not referring to an institutionalized education. I’m actually referring to the process of raising awareness as a whole. One does not need to be highly literate to know one’s rights or to be entitled to one’s rights. A person is entitled to their rights regardless of their status. This is something that I will work on in future. Many people aren’t aware of this and sadly this contributes to their rights being continuously violated.

Where skills are concerned my strength lies in organizing events be it workshops, trainings or others. I am also a competent public speaker who enjoys sharing information with people. I enjoy conducting trainings as well. I take great delight in working with and interacting with people. The human mind is something that continues to fascinate me till today. I have had the opportunity to attend various trainings on topics that range from Gender-based violence, good governance, leadership, professional etiquette, conflict mediation, presentations and public speaking, child sexual abuse, personal safety for children, writers for women’s rights and marketing. All these workshops have helped me to open my thinking and look at things from various perspectives. As for my hobbies, I enjoy reading, listening to and playing music, dancing and meeting people from various backgrounds. These activities serve as a method for me to relax and unwind after working. Everything that I have involved myself in and participated in has served to mould me to be what I am today. My passion and interest to bring about change is a strong drive factor that pushes me to try and do what I can to bring about a better understanding and respect for human rights in my country.

My expectations, objectives, and interests on the human rights internship program.

I first heard about the May 18 Human Rights Internship Program last year. At that time the program and learning experience it had to offer intrigued me. Unfortunately I couldn’t apply for it then. A year down the road, my interest in the program has increased as during this past one year, I have had the opportunity to read, listen and learn a little bit about the foundation, its purpose and aims as well as the role it plays in promoting human rights and democracy.

I have been involved in voluntary work since 2003 only. Although my interest and passion has always revolved around issues affecting humans, justice and equality, I only got the opportunity to actively do something constructive when I entered university. Since my university days I’ve been actively involved with local Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – mainly with groups working on women’s rights, child’s rights and youth development.

I’ve been an active member of AIESEC, a global youth run organization that aims to foster peace and understanding via developing the potential of young people, sensitizing them towards social issues and providing them with the opportunity to experience and understand various cultures. I believe that peace can only be achieved when humans learn to accept each other without prejudice. My time in AIESEC exposed me to the reality that many young people are actually not aware of what’s happening around them, in the world. Thus I made it one of my goals to incorporate a stronger presence of political and social issues within my organizations’ activities and projects. I took up the role of the person in charge of member development. This enabled me to plan my members learning. I utilized this platform to reach out to the youth in my university to raise awareness about important issues like human rights, gender issues, child’s rights, women’s rights, HIV/AIDS, globalization, the state of the indigenous people and the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity.At the same time, my volunteer work with the local NGO’s exposed me to the harsh realities of the human rights and political scenario in Malaysia. I realized all was not well. This exposure has helped shape and challenge my thoughts and viewpoint. I became convinced that working for human rights is something that I wanted to do. Hence my decision to work with Empower right after my graduation in 2006. Working with Empower has given me the opportunity to experience working at the grassroots level with marginalized communities as well as doing work like administrative tasks, organizational tasks, report writing, training and so on. Empower uses the rights based approach in our training and project. This has enabled me to familiarize myself with instruments like the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Elimination on All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, The UniversalHuman Rights Declaration and this has in turn reinforced my believe that education and awareness about the importance and the value of freedom and rights is a vital element in ensuring that a person’s right is upheld. I strongly believe that it is extremely important for society to be aware that a lot of things that they take for granted or struggle for is in actual fact a basic right.

One of the main reasons for my interest in the internship program is that having read about the May 18 Uprising incident, having met and spoken to some Koreans, I realized that there is a sense of patriotism and pride that they exude when they speak about their country’s struggle for democracy. It struck me that these are people who seem to truly appreciate democracy and their freedom. This is something, sadly not very apparent amongst the Malaysian youth I’ve met. Not many youth seem to realize that the price for democracy and freedom has been great…..it doesn’t come easy.

I believe that I can learn a lot from this internship. I would like to know what is it that makes the Koreans so aware of the importance of democracy, freedom and the up-keeping of human rights in a nations survival and growth. I’d like to bring that knowledge to share with the youth of my country as I believe that the youth play a crucial role in the quest for freedom.

My objectives for applying for this internship would be to gain more exposure and knowledge about the Korean struggle for democracy. I’d like to know about the history of the struggle and what is it that continues to drive the people to strive to maintain democracy and respect human rights. I would also like to learn and observe how Korean NGOs work, the approach that they use when handling human rights issues. I would also like to bring back what I would learn in Korea to share with my fellow activists in Malaysia. I believe that the theoretical knowledge as well as the practical experience I would gain from this internship will prove to be invaluable in my quest to promote and uphold human rights.

My expectations towards this internship would be to firstly, be able to learn in depth about the Korean struggle for democracy and to appreciate the sacrifices that have been made to achieve democracy and uphold human right. I would like to learn and listen to the people themselves about their experiences, and how even after such a devastating incident like the Uprising, the people have managed to rise again and move on with life.

Secondly, I hope to experience a challenging internship where I will be able to learn new skills and knowledge, stimulate and challenge my mind and way of thinking. At the same time, I would also like to contribute to the May 18 Foundation in any way that I might be able to. Networking with the people from the foundation and the other interns would also be something I hope to do as well.

Last but not the least, I would like to experience the Korean culture. The best way to learn about people is to actually live amongst them, speak to them, learn their language, experience their culture and to be open to learning experiences. My exposure through my reading as well as interacting with Korean friends has deepened my interest in Korea and her culture as a whole.

With this, I sincerely hope that I will be given the opportunity to participate in this internship program as I believe it will be a fulfilling and beneficial experience for both sides. I hope to be able to interact and engage with activists from Korea and others as well in order to learn from them as well as to share my experiences.

Read more here http://thencysfootprints.blogspot.com/

The May 18 Memorial Foundation

Intro to Korean Democracy
Uploaded by peterahon

Announcement for 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

"I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge and unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me” a reflection made by Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, participant from Thailand last year. The May 18 Memorial Foundation is announcing the application for the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. For this year, application is made more competitive to screen the number of applications. Emphasis on organizational partnership is given importance, so applicants endorsed by their organization will be the priority. Since the foundation will not be able to provide multiple translations, English language will be the medium for exchange.The GAHRFS aims to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. Twenty five (25) participants will be selected from among applicants from all over Asia who have been working for human rights, peace and democracy. They will be given an opportunity to learn and experience the history and development process of human rights and democracy in South Korea. The folk school will also serve as an opportunity for participants to exchange and network with other human rights activists.One of the perks of attending the Folk School is the opportunity to be endorsed for a scholarship. For the last two years the foundation has been supporting scholars to Sungkonghoe University for their Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). They were chosen and selected by the folk school committee based on their active participation and performance during the folk school.Interested applicants should download the form enclosed. Applicants are advised to read carefully the guidelines and the rules for their application to be considered. The foundation shall only accept and entertain applicants who will properly comply with the set guide and rules.
This information is available in our website with this link:
http://twurl.nl/ocwqae


Application form is also available here:
http://groups.google.com/group/518solidarity/web/revised%20form%202008%20Folk%20School.doc


Testimonials from the Participants of the 2007 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

"Today, years after the supreme sacrifice made by the people of Gwangju, they continue to inspire and teach us lessons, which is why we are here. The Gwangju Uprising reminds us to experience the spirit of democracy in our day to day life. And the democracy groups in Korea; the Folk School in particular has shown us how to make democracy a part of our daily lives. The Folk School by constantly revisiting events of the May 18 Uprising, invites us to re-live the events, the ordeals and the sacrifices of the victims that we may never again be the victims of oppression. By organizing activities such as those we saw at the Liberty Park where young students were immersed in serious discussions on the merits of democracy; the various fora organized to raise awareness of the significance of the May 18 events; the educational tours we had at the Busan Democracy Park and the visit to the Human rights Commission in Seoul, are but a few activities meant to nurture and develop the spirit of democracy in our daily life".
- Mr. Damaso G. Magbual, ANFREL


"Again and again thank you for this chance and I am so grateful for these enlighten learning process here and thank you for endless help what you have done to me. Finally, the sauna bath is really an unforgettable experience where I can be my self without any shame as the human being and acceptance as who am I".
- Ms. Damairia Pakpahan, RUMPUN


"I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge and unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me".
- Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, Thailand


"Through this program, all participants were learning that democracy in an on-going process. Democratic process demands times and unstoppable efforts. Democracy was fought and won through eternal vigilance and wary surveillance over decades and for many generations despite of their diverse social, cultural or political context. People were bound and united once their democratic and human right was violated".
- Ms. Nurul Rochayati, Indonesia


Reflection on 2007 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

by Ratchada ArpornsilpDuring September 3-14, 2007, I was given a chance by the May 18 Memorial Foundation to participate in Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) held in Gwangju, the place where democratic uprising was demonstrated and its spirit had prevailed.To me, GAHRFS had led to a great deal of fruition. This significant event consisted of many components ranging among intensive lectures on Korean democratic development and society, discussion to exchange lesson-learnt and experience, individual and group presentation, "Beautiful Holiday" film screening, study trip to National Cemetery of May 18th Democratic Uprising and historical sites, photography workshop, home-stay, rice ball (Joo Muck Bab)making session, sport's activities, and picnic. Well, this was a combination of many various fractions which either deliberately or unintentionally had contributed to the uniqueness and specialization of this program.Definitely GAHRFS accomplished in revitalizing the spirit of May 18 Democratic Uprising in Gwangju taking place in 1980 to other Asian participants. Though Korea has a long history of democratic development and revolution against dictatorship rule, it has so far been overshadowed by its economic success and entertainment K-pop culture in global arena, especially in Asia. Therefore, this event, with a perfectly-blended combination of compatible activities, literally brought me back into 1980, basically equipping me with domestic and global, as well as social, economic and political context of Republic of Korea (ROK or so- called South Korea) during that transitional period due to the assassination of President Park Chung-hee in December the year earlier and the pervasive antagonistic atmosphereof Cold War era with Soviet Union invasion into Afghanistan along with intensive election campaign running around the United States between incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter and Republican opponent Ronald Reagan.Apparently during that critical juncture in South Korea's political vacuum and prospect for transformation, the world was framed into bipolar with domination of the United States against Soviet Union under the rationale of ideological confrontation. Even since the end of Korean war, ROK has always been the United States' strategic partner in containing Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or namely North Korea) and balancing the power in the peninsula. Consequently, regardless whatever cost, the United States would prop up the regime that stabilized the country. General Chun Doo-hwan, then Head of the Defense Security Command was in charge of the investigation into the assassination. On May 17, 1980, Chun Doo-hwan repealed all civilian rules, extending martial law to the entire country and disbanding the National Assembly. That was when the people of Gwangju stood up against the military control following by bloody massacre.Another outstanding nature of this folk school was the selection of its participants which was divided into 3 groups considering the working experience of each participant in their respective NGO fields; senior, middle-level and junior. The nationalities were diverse across Asian continent. As a result, GAHRFS had provided an ideal forum of how people with distinguished background and experience could plausibly assemble together to share their common concerns as well as lesson-learnt. The interpersonal relations among participants interacting with one another gave me such an impressive feeling and rare opportunity to actually see people from conflicting area as India and Pakistan or Taiwan and China join the laughter and understanding even still at personal level.At the end of GAHRFS, I realized that people around the world, even they might look different, they precisely shared a great deal of similarity. Thailand’s history and political development also had been through many militarized authoritarian regime and countervailing student movement and democratic uprisings. Besides, I recognized that the power of small individuals could forgeand unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, GAHRFS was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me.

Book Report on The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising

Book title: The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising
Published: The May 18th History Compitation Committee of Gwangu City
Translator: Lee Kyung-soon, Ellen Bishop

This book “The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising” is a non-fiction and historical book about the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising in South Korea. This book have five main chapters. First, The character of the May 18th Gwangju Democratic Uprising, It showed the reason of the uprising and other relevant matters after the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Second, The last of the Yushin system and the insurgent troops on December 12, 1979, it reported the political background and the Yushin revolution, Yushin System was a typical military dictatorship, Most of the citizens were unhappy this period. Martial law was declared throughout the country after the October 26 incident when the Chief of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency associated Park Churg-hee.

Third, The retreat of democratization. President Choi resigned and Mr. Chun Doo-hwan became the new President. On his new lead, he had adopted 3 measures to disempower the Choi Cabinet. It was a usurpation of political power, it was not democratic, so most of people were unsatisfied. Especially, students all over South Korea, Which gave rise to the student movement.
They had a meeting with the representatives from 23 universities and presidents of the students councils and agreed to stage peaceful demonstrations only on their campus. To me, the students were the main pillar of democratization, they had prepared and appealed to all people to stand up against dictatorship. Anywise, rumor had spread of government attempt to restore the old regime, so campaign for school democratization on campus became a political movement for democratization of the nation, more than 50,000 people participated in the street campaign in “the national democratization rally” on 17th May, at the same day new military power had been preparing for the horrible scene of the day after.

Fourth, The May 18th Gwangju Democratic Uprising. This chapter showed the day’s quelling the campaign, the beginning of the tragedy, the battle of army, the situation on the 19th of May and the day after until 27 May, the birth of the citizens’ army and the withdrawal of paratroopers.

Fifth, The meaning of the May 18th Gwangju Democratic Uprising, revival of the Gwangju democratic Uprising and meaning.After reading the book, I can imagine the situation during the uprising and its cause. I have my sympathy for the citizens under the dictatorial regime, I felt so sad to see how the military leaders suppress the citizens during the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, it was merciless and brutal enough to be branded as a massacre, Their cruel actions were irrespective of age or sex, all of these were violation of human rights.

In this book the authors main purpose was to show the activities and characters of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, especially the author portrayed a very bad regime as contrasted with the noble deed of the Gwangju citizens who vigorously struggled to gain back democracy.

I am so grateful to the students and youth of Korea, especially the student of Chonnam University who are so brave as well as the rest of the Gwangju citizens who died during The May 18 Democratic Uprising. They started the democratization movement and general consciousness raising. Chonnam student held a general election for the General Student Council that became the leader of the democratization movement. Otherwise the students’ movement was the most fundamental power for democracy, they would be in the first row and the head of campaign and demonstration against military forces. They were responsible also in appealing for people participation with other students, citizens, and professors to participate.

In conclusion, the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising was not a disgrace but an honor, and full of glory. In my opinion, we should keep and point out to all students and people that it was a very important part of history, although they may not have won the battle, but they have shown a great commitment and solidarity for their struggle to bring democracy to South Korea. They did not do it only for their self or family but they did it for our generation and the next generation.

A Day Before Parliamentary Election

Korea’s Parliamentary Election Day is nearing. Held once every five years, the occasion marks a day off on April,09.2008 as elections take place. However, shopping centers, department stores, shops, restaurants, and tourists locations will still be open during regular hours of operation. All banks, government offices, private businesses, and schools will remain closed.for me i was a promoter to all people in down town of Gwangju city go to vote tomorrow. in the campinge have 6 term and in my term have 4 member, a indonesian girl, a korean man and women, and me. on our hand with alot of brochrea and a banna, we started to walked around the down town with yell(Toh Poey Ha Ce Yo) it mean go to vote tomorrow. only 30 mn everyting in our hand had gone. for my own feeling it so diffence between i did this task in Koren and Sweden or Cambodia. for Korean people they so interested what we do or other advertiser, when we give most of people get and say thinak you. but for Sweden or Cambodia's when i did,thire's face so steangth and maybe they think i am a crazy man or mentail problem, most of that said to me No No......