The Ghosts of the Gwangju Uprising

On May 18, 1980, the people of Gwangju, South Korea came together for reunification and an end to an era of martial law imposed by U.S.-backed military dictators. Over the course of ten days, they staged mass protests, battled riot police and soldiers, and were met with brutal repression. Together, they successfully drove the military out Gwangju and governed the city together. Their actions changed the course of Korean history.

On this edition of Making Contact, we hear from survivors of the Gwangju Uprising about how they took on the tasks of history and the lessons they carry.

Featuring:

Lee Yoon Jung, President of the May Women’s Association
Ahn Sung Rye, Nurse Supervisor at Gwangju Gidok Hospital during the Gwangju Uprising

Credits:

Host: Marie Choi
Special Thanks: Jung Dong Suk of Gwangju SPARK, Io Sunwoo, Esther Kang, Hella Organized Bay Area Koreans
Archival Tape: U.S. Department of Defense Combat Bulletin 101, United Newsreels Japan Surrenders
U.S. Soldiers Voiceovers: R.J. Lozada, Josh Klinkenberger and Tavis Kelley
Yoon Jung Lee Voiceover: Deann Borshay Liem
Ahn Sung Rye Voiceover: Miriam Ching Louie
Producers: Monica Lopez, Marie Choi, RJ Lozada, Anita Johnson
Executive Director: Lisa Rudman
Web Editor and Audience Engagement Director: Sabine Blaizin
Development Associate: Vera Tykulsker


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