On September 12, the first Yongbong Forum lecture of the second half of the year was held at the Convention Hall at Chonnam National University (CNU). Chung Sye-kyun, the Chairperson of the Roh Moo-Hyun Foundation, presented a special lecture entitled “Roh Moo-Hyun, Democracy, and Gwangju".  The forum is known for inviting experts from various fields to conduct open lectures with different themes and formats. It provides an opportunity for university members and citizens to build communication and harmony on social issues and common interests.

    Chung Sye-kyun served as a member of the National Assembly from the 15th to the 20th terms since his election in 1996 and served as the 46th Prime Minister during the presidency of Moon Jae-in. He delivered the lecture that covered the meaning and history of democracy, the history and current state of democracy in Korea, and the achievements and philosophy of Roh Moo-Hyun, the 16th President of the Republic of Korea, connecting them with the Gwangju Spirit. He also discussed the purpose and direction of the Roh Moo-Hyun Foundation, emphasizing its efforts to spread the values of progressive civic democracy. He advocated that the actual action for democracy, based on the principles of freedom, equality, human happiness, and dignity, results in coexistence and integration through tolerance and respect, rooted in relativism. In conclusion, Chairperson Chung encouraged the young to have a daring spirit and to boldly face the age of uncertainty. He also emphasized the importance of community, stating that there is no individual without a community, and demanded greater attention to community matters.

    A senior student who attended the lecture said, “It was good to learn about Roh Moo-Hyun's efforts and dedication to democracy. It also prompted me to reconsider the issues that remain unresolved, even after all these years. Now I think about the problems of regional conflict that future generations will have to bear if balanced development within the country, as Roh Moo-Hyun advocates, is not achieved.” The Yongbong Forum consists of three special lectures during the year's second semester. CNU's website (https://events.jnu.ac.kr/EventView.aspx?eventId=228) provides more details about the remaining lectures.

By Jung Da-gyo, Reporter