E2024-G095

Recording the Events of the May 18 Democratic Uprising: Gwangju Diary by Lee Jae-eui

Narrative

Published in 1985, Gwangju Diary: Beyond Death, Beyond the Darkness of the Age (Jukeum eul neomeo sidae ui eodum eul neomeo) was the earliest published record to meticulously document the key events of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, which took place in Gwangju in 1980. The book organizes the detailed accounts some 200 citizens involved in the protests where demonstrators faced intense challenges against military forces. It was originally attributed to the renowned novelist and Gwangju native Hwang Sok-yong (1943-) in order to avoid the arrests of the key figures involved in its secret compilation, which was led by Lee Jae-eui, who was studying at Chonnam National University at the time of the uprising. As a direct record of these events, the "Gwangju Diary" stands as an essential source for understanding the determination and sacrifices made in pursuit of democracy, preserving their history for future generations.