Min Hee-jin Gwangju Lecture: ADOR CEO Joins May 18 Democratic Spirit Event

Key Facts

• ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin delivered a two-hour lecture titled "K-Culture·K-Pop, Imagining in Gwangju" on May 12, 2026, at Chonnam National University’s Yongji Hall.
• Approximately 700 attendees, including students and cultural officials, filled the venue to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement.
• The Chonnam National University May 18 Institute organized the session to mark its 30th anniversary and engage the younger generation.
• Before the lecture, Min paid respects at the May 18th National Cemetery in Buk-gu.
• Moderated by philosophy professor Park Gu-yong, the session explored the intersection of global K-culture and Gwangju’s historical spirit.
• Min characterized the May 18 movement as undeniable history and linked the democratic spirit to modern culture, noting that resistance serves as a necessary catalyst for social change and global communication.

Key Terms

• May 18 Democratization Movement: A 1980 uprising in Gwangju against military dictatorship, marking a pivotal moment in South Korea's democratization.
• Chonnam National University May 18 Institute: An academic body focused on researching and reinterpreting the history and values of the Gwangju Uprising.

Key Quote

"Change only happens when there is resistance. Even if it doesn't end in success, resistance holds great significance in communicating with the world." — Min Hee-jin