A joint research initiative will explore the spirit of justice in Namdo, tracing its historical flow from the Namdo Uprising through the Naju and Gwangju Student Independence Movements to the May 18 Democratic Movement.
The Jeonnam Gwangju Humanities and Social Research Institute and the Namdo Uprising Museum announced on October 10 that they have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at reexamining the region's historical identity and expanding the academic utilization of historical and cultural resources in light of the administrative integration of Gwangju.
This agreement is designed to examine the historical context of the uprisings and democratic movements in Namdo, which have been studied over different eras, and to academically clarify the values of justice and community spirit embedded within them.
Notably, the research will connect the resistance movements against foreign powers, the student independence movement during the Japanese occupation, and the May 18 Democratic Movement, highlighting the spirit of resistance and action that has emerged throughout these periods.
Through this agreement, the two institutions plan to promote academic exchanges and joint research related to the Namdo Uprising, as well as jointly operate research projects and educational programs for local residents utilizing regional historical and cultural resources.
They also aim to expand their collaboration to ensure that the research outcomes can be transformed into educational and cultural content, linking their research capabilities and historical resources.
The first joint project will be an academic symposium commemorating the administrative integration of Gwangju, scheduled to take place later this year.
The symposium will examine historical events from the Namdo Uprising to the Naju and Gwangju Student Independence Movements and the May 18 Democratic Movement, discussing the historical significance of the spirit of 'just struggle' that emerged during these processes.
The two institutions plan to systematically document the shared historical experiences of Jeonnam and Gwangju and establish a research foundation for understanding the historical and cultural identity of the integrated region.
Park Jung-hwan, director of the Namdo Uprising Museum, expressed hope that this collaboration will provide an opportunity for in-depth research into the historical significance of justice as manifested in the Uprising, the Naju and Gwangju Student Independence Movements, and the May 18 Democratic Movement.
Lee Myung-kyu, director of the Jeonnam Gwangju Humanities and Social Research Institute, stated that he expects this collaboration to explore pathways for mutual growth following the integration of Gwangju and to open a platform for joint research that presents the agenda of integration.
Meanwhile, the two institutions plan to continue their joint research and academic exchanges related to the Namdo Uprising, starting with the symposium to be held this year. They also aim to extend their research outcomes into educational initiatives and historical cultural content to promote the historical value of Namdo.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.