Chonnam National University (CNU) held a weeklong series of events from May 14 to 18 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Under the theme “May Shaped by All, May Lived by All,” the program brought together students, faculty, alumni, civic groups, and local government. Students played a leading role in planning the events, underscoring the importance of generational continuity in honoring the May spirit.

The schedule was divided into two parts: the “Ethnic and Democratization Period” (May 14–16) and the “Uprising Period” (May 17–18). Activities included a design contest for May 18-themed goods, mural painting, and a relay-style blood donation campaign led by university leadership and students. The film Seoul Spring was screened outdoors, accompanied by interactive programs and food trucks that engaged the broader campus community.
On May 16, the university held an official memorial ceremony and a symbolic rice ball sharing event, reflecting the spirit of solidarity from the 1980 uprising. A “Democracy Trail” campus tour followed, guided by students and joined by university officials and National Assembly Speaker Won-shik Woo, who received an honorary doctorate during the event.

A large-scale “Democratic Peace March” took place on May 17, retracing the historic route from CNU’s main gate to Geumnam-ro. More than 10,000 people participated. The commemorations concluded with an alumni Democracy Trail tour on May 18. During the event period, key university facilities along the route were opened to the public.
President Keun-bae Lee emphasized that the event was not only a memorial, but also an opportunity for the younger generation to actively experience and carry forward the values of democracy.