Jeon sings pro-democracy song at Gwangju ceremony
Rock star Jeon In-kwon performed at the Moon Jae-in administration-endorsed ceremony commemorating the May 18 Democratic Uprising in the southwestern Gwangju, Thursday, conveying a message of unity.
Earlier during the presidential race, Jeon had publicly stated his support for An Cheol-soo of the minor opposition People’s Party, who had been a rival of Moon.
Jeon reportedly said he was contacted only a few days before the ceremony, but “decided to take to the stage as the ceremony is a meaningful event commemorating the spirit of the May 18 pro-democracy movement.”
Jeon performed the symbolic pro-democracy song “Imeul Wihan Haengjingok” (March for the Beloved), which was sung in unison by the attendees.
In 2011, former President Lee Myung-back had the song performed by a choir, but after President Moon took office, he promptly called for the song to be sung by all participants at the ceremony.
Conservative administrations under former presidents Lee and Park Geun-hye had taken issue with the song, claiming it was a symbol of anti-government sentiment and that it was pro-North Korea, because the song was featured in a North Korean film.
Meanwhile, Jeon also sang “Evergreen Tree,” a song performed during the candlelit protests which called for the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye for her involvement in the massive corruption scandal.
Around 10,000 people attended the 37th ceremony observing the pro-democracy movement in Gwangju in 1980, as it was made open to anyone who wished to take part, in contrast to earlier ceremonies in which participants needed to register to get in.