A few days ago, a variety of events including May 18 Eve, which is Gwangju citizens march along Geumnam-ro street, Academic symposiums, Red Festa and so on - took place around Gwangju city to commemorate the May 18 Gwangju Uprising.

Around May 18th, I try to feel the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Movement. Whenever I think of May 18, I wholeheartedly thank and commend the Gwangju citizens. The prime reason is that Gwangju citizens on that day in 1980 voluntarily participated in the demonstration to protest against military dictatorship.

At that time, young people including university students also participated in the May 18 movement, having a passion for Korean democratization. In the video documentary about May 18 that I watched two years ago, I saw their eyes filled with courage and ambition and felt deep emotion. 

   How about young people at the present time? After entering university, I was told   by countless professors that university students today do not have the same vestiges of youth such as passion, courage and ambition.

Yes, I agree with their view. These days, young people don’t have a progressive spirit, courage, a sense of community or ambition even though their life condition is far better than that of those in the 1980’s. Their eyes seem to be different from the ones of the young people at that time. I also feel that no spirit of courage, passion, challenge or ambition seems to be reflected in their eyes. 

   Now in these early summer days, everything looks so energetic. A scary final exam is creeping up inch by inch. However, a cool summer vacation is waiting for us. I wonder what your summer vacation plans are.

You probably plan to spend all your days at the library while studying hard to improve your academic and language abilities or to go on an unforgettably fantastic journey and in doing so experience a lot of new challenges and things.

Whatever your plan for the summer vacation might be, I hope it is helpful in making you realize something that lies deep within yourself - to find your true passion for your future. The passion of youth can change yourself and also the world.

We are promising young men and women. Capture the passion and spirit of youth and try to improve yourself. Fulfill your potential. It would be good not only for your-self but also for the rest of our society. 

   I wish you have an enlightening experience during the summer vacation. Good luck!