A ceremony honors the victims of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju. (Photo: Yonhap News)
South Korea has marked the 41st anniversary of the pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju.
Over the course of 10 days from May 18, 1980, some 200 people in the southwestern city were killed and thousands injured in a brutal crackdown on civilians protesting against the military regime led by Chun Doo-hwan.
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum expressed hopes on Tuesday that the spirit of Gwangju will inspire all who are fighting for democracy.
Speaking at the May 18th National Cemetery, Kim said, "I hope that all citizens who are resisting corruption, injustice and forces suppressing democracy not only in Myanmar but across the world will triumph with Gwangju."
He added that the country will never give up "until the truths about Gwangju are completely revealed."
Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum embraces a bereaved family member of a Gwangju uprising victim.
Local leaders have also called for efforts to recover the honor of those who died in the Gwangju massacre.
The bodies of many victims have yet to be found along with those responsible for helicopter gunship attacks on civilians in the city.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 99 people participated in annual ceremony, including government officials, political leaders, protest participants and bereaved families.
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