When you think about it, how to remember May 18 on its 43rd anniversary

Actress Go Min-si mentioned the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement again this year. We have been talking consistently since appearing in the drama 'Youth of May', which ended in 2021.

There is no future for a people who forgets history. This is a sentence that emphasizes the importance of history. This sentence began to become known in earnest when it appeared on MBC's entertainment show 'Infinite Challenge'. The most common place to see it was the soccer stadium where the Korea-Japan match was held. There is an actor who puts this sentence into practice. Let's worry right away.

On May 18th, Go Min-si posted a message on her SNS titled “5.18” and the Korean flag and the message, “Because of you, the Republic of Korea exists today.” He posted a photo with the phrase “I will never forget.” Go Min-si has been commemorating the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement for two consecutive years since appearing in ‘Youth of May’.

Go Min-si appeared in KBS2's 'Youth of May', which first aired on May 3, 2021, and ended on June 8 of the same year. 'Youth of May' is a vague spring-like love story of Hee-tae (played by Lee Do-hyeon) and Myeong-hee (played by Go Min-si), who fell for each other as if by fate, set in May 1980.

In fact, ‘Youth of May’ was on the chopping block before it aired. This is because it is known to be a romance story set against the backdrop of the May 18 Democratization Movement, one of the representative events of modern and contemporary history. The May 18 Democratization Movement is a people's protest that took place in Gwangju in May 1980, denouncing the conspiracy of the new military government to take power and demanding the realization of democracy.

'Youth of May' was different from 'Joseon Exorcist' and 'Snow Ganghwa', which were withdrawn due to controversy over historical distortion. Romance was naturally incorporated into the background of May 18, and the pain of the tragic era was conveyed to viewers. Producer Song Min-yeop, who was in charge of directing, focused on ‘expression without distortion.’

Producer Song Min-yeop said he took a cautious approach, focusing on delivering accurate facts and not distorting history. It is said that Go Min-si also studied the background of the era through books, movies, and documentaries related to May 18. ‘Youth of May’ received favorable reviews for its portrayal of both ordinary people and those who struggle.

It was belatedly revealed that Go Min-si donated 10 million won to the May 18 Memorial Foundation after ‘Youth of May’ ended. Go Min-si donated 10 million won to be used for commemorative projects a day before the 41st anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement in May 2021. In addition, he narrated Gwangju Cultural Broadcasting's special documentary 'Find Me' for the 42nd anniversary of May 18. He hoped, “I hope that the heartbreaking history of May 18, 1980 will not be repeated, and that the unknown martyrs can return to their families as soon as possible.”

Go Min-si received the Excellence Award in the Miniseries category at the 2021 KBS Drama Awards. After receiving the award, his acceptance speech also attracted attention. He said, “I would like to give this award to everyone who made May 1980 shine.” That's why 'Youth of May' must have had a special meaning to Go Min-si. In an interview with the magazine Vogue, Go Min-si expressed her affection, saying, "'Youth in May' becomes more intense in many ways as time passes."

Two years have passed since ‘Youth of May’ ended. Although it is not much, it is considered one of the most emerging works in May. Go Min-si constantly mentions May 18 without forgetting. This move by Go Min-si has several meanings. It shows that he not only has affection for the character he played and his work, but also remembers a history that should not be forgotten.

Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia reporter kkk39@tenasia.co.kr