Members of an association of women who lost their children in the May 18 Democratic Movement of 1980 on March 10 pose for photos at a media conference held at May 18 Democracy Square, next to the former headquarters of the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government in Gwangju. (Yonhap News)

By Elena Kubitzki and Yoon Sojung

Gwangju has expressed support for the anti-coup protests in Myanmar, which are said to resemble the southern city's May 18 Democratization Movement of 1980.

About 30 members of an association of mothers who lost their children in the movement on March 10 held a media conference to denounce the coup in Myanmar. The event was held at May 18 Democracy Square next to the former headquarters of the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government in Gwangju.

The members pledged to help Myanmar's democratic movement so that those who sacrificed their lives for the country's democracy did not die in vain.
 

"The coup in Myanmar reminds us of the pain and horror we experienced 40 years ago from the coup d'etat by Chun Doo-hwan that massacred civilians in Gwangju in 1980," they said.

"The international community must come forward and prevent crimes against humanity in this immoral situation."

Clad in white mourning clothes to honor the victims of the protests in Myanmar, the members donated KRW 1 million to a support group for the Southeast Asian nation.

Sha Sha, 21, a Myanmar university student based in Gwangju, said after receiving the money, "I thank the Gwangju mother's association's members for helping our nation's citizens."

On the same day, the Gwangju Metropolitan Council issued a statement expressing its respect for the people of Myanmar fighting for democracy.

The May 18 Institute Chonnam University in a statement on March 8 denounced Myanmar's military authorities. Civic groups in Gwangju also raised funds and medical supplies for the effort.

Earlier on Feb. 24, Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop and the heads of five city districts issued a statement condemning the coup in Myanmar.

elenakubi@korea.kr