[Unofficial Translation]

My fellow Koreans,

Those bestowed with the order of national merit for the part they played in the May 18 Democratization Movement,

The families of those who lost their precious lives.

Today, I am with you here in Gwangju, sacred ground for Korea’s democratization. This is the first National Remembrance Day Ceremony and my first regional visit since I took office. It is truly meaningful for me to be here.

As I stand here, where the souls of those who fought for democracy are laid to rest, I have a solemn heart.

Bowing my head, I pay tribute to their noble sacrifice and pray for their eternal repose.

My heartfelt condolences go to the persons of national merit involved in the Movement as well as the families of those who perished, who have lived with the pain and sorrow of losing their loved ones, neighbors and friends.

We remember the Movement 42 years ago in May where fallen heroes defended the values of liberal democracy and human rights with blood shed.

With an abiding sense of their suffering on that day, we have continued to take liberal democracy further forward in this land.

The spirit of that time represents the restoration of universal values and encapsulates the very essence of a constitution embodying liberal democracy itself.

That spirit lives on in us all – and indeed it is a cherished asset to the Republic of Korea.

The Spirit of May still today calls on us to strongly counter any unlawful acts that pose a threat to freedom and human rights.

The May 18 Democratization Movement is living history – it is still unfolding. It is indeed our responsibility to continue to carry on this lofty cause.

And it is my firm belief that it will serve as the groundwork for the prosperity of Korea and our future generations.

We need to ensure that the principles of liberal democracy and human rights which lie at the very heart of that movement spread far and wide throughout the world.

We are all entitled to fully enjoy the universal values of freedom and human rights. We should never fail to address any infringement of these universal tenets. It is for us to uphold these together.

The responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the values of freedom and human rights is a task wholly entrusted to our hands.

Gwangju and Jeolla-do, with fundamental codes of morality – including liberal democracy and human rights – as a firm basis, should now engage in efforts for bold economic development and prosperity.

We should pursue industrial advancement based on AI and other cutting-edge technologies, taking great strides forward to nurture the regional economy to the next level.

The morals that the fallen of the Movement fought for served to lay the solid groundwork for prosperity in this region. Building on this, tapping those values and channeling them, the new administration and I will engage in wholehearted endeavors to open new avenues to usher in a new tomorrow of a thriving economy.

Gwangju and Jeolla-do have played a pioneering role, guiding the way at every critical juncture in our history.

On the path ahead, I am confident that Gwangju and Jeolla-do, the cradle of our liberal democracy, will be the forefront in the journey traveled by the Republic of Korea, with tremendous new advances on the path ahead.

Honorable citizens of Gwangju,

I will continue to steadfastly uphold the Spirit of May. I promise that, working together with you, I will strive to shape a flourishing future for Gwangju. My heart and commitment that I conveyed to you through my handwritten letter earlier this year stand true.

Once again, I sincerely honor the ethos of those who fought for democracy and pray for their souls to rest in peace.

I would also like to extend words of encouragement to the persons of merit and the families of those who lost their lives who have quietly carried on the vision embraced in the Spirit of May. I feel an enduring gratitude for the courage of those who, never losing hope, have stood firm.

Liberal democracy and human rights, which we so profoundly believe in, bring our people together. Given this, the Spirit of May, defending liberal democracy with blood, is a very keystone of our sense of national unity.

I look forward to us working together so that the power of justice and truth – embraced in Gwangju that May – can endure, shine brightly, transcending the times.

It is my ardent belief that the vision embraced at that time will help to bring our people together and keep us strong even in the face of times of crises and challenges. In light of this, all the people of the Republic of Korea who treasure liberty, justice and truth may be said to be citizens of Gwangju.

Thank you.