May 2026, lawmaker Jeong Cheong-rae pays respects at the 5·18 Cemetery [Photo=Yonhap News]

You are the people who raised your voices as if the nation would be overturned over a cup of Starbucks coffee. You analyzed which company held which political stance, called for boycotts, and spoke of justice and democracy.

Yet, if you remain silent when an unprecedented situation of insufficient ballot papers occurs during an election, we cannot help but ask: "Where has the democracy you so vehemently advocated for gone?"

The Core of Democracy is Trust in Procedures

Democracy is not precious only when the candidate you support wins. The core of democracy is trust in procedures. If there were not enough ballot papers, it is natural to question why that happened, who should be held responsible, and how to prevent it from happening again.

To dismiss questions as conspiracy theories and try to silence them is not an attitude that protects democracy, but one that undermines its trust.

Therefore, we ask again. What is the spirit of Gwangju that you so often speak of? Is the spirit of Gwangju exclusive to a particular party? Is it a license for a specific political force? If not, isn't now the time to speak of the spirit of Gwangju? Is it not one aspect of the spirit of Gwangju that many remember: to demand answers from state power or electoral management bodies in the face of citizens' questions, and to demand explanations from those in power?

In May 1980, the citizens of Gwangju did not remain silent in the face of power. Even amidst fear, they asked questions. Why is this happening? Why are the rights of the people being ignored? Why is the state turning its back on its citizens? If you claim to inherit that spirit today, you must ask the same questions, regardless of which camp holds power. This is because the principles of democracy do not change based on the person.

Do as Was Done in May 1980

Does the spirit of Gwangju only exist at memorial ceremonies? Does it only exist in eulogies? The true spirit of Gwangju lies in the courage to ask uncomfortable questions to the living power. It lies in criticizing the wrongdoings of one's own side, holding accountable the forces one supports, and demanding explanations when citizens' rights are violated.

Therefore, what you need now is not silence. It is not boasting about past democratization while keeping your mouths shut. If you are someone who has spoken of democracy, you must answer. How do you view the shortage of ballot papers? What went wrong? Who is responsible? And what must be done to ensure this never happens again?

If you have a mouth and a conscience, speak. If you have called for democracy, show it through your actions. If you have spoken of the spirit of Gwangju, shout it now. Just as it was on May 18, 1980. However, this time, direct it towards the current power, not the past power, and towards today's issues, not just past problems.

◆ Songsan (송산)

A poet and researcher of history and philosophy. Former director of the Syngman Rhee Institute. Currently serving as a research advisor for the Korean Modern and Contemporary History Research Association and the representative of the philosophy forum Lyceum. He has published four poetry collections, co-translated "Heroes of Hukogji," and authored the humanities books "Chosun That Became a Myth," "Humanities on the Tatami," and "A Liberal's Reading of Gramsci." Songsan is a pen name.