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Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong (right) and Moon Jae-hak, mother of a democracy activist who was killed during the Gwangju Democracy Movement in 1980, speak via video chat on July 22. (Kim Yong-hee, staff photographer)

“Gwangju’s experience in 1980 has been a great source of strength to activists in Hong Kong. Just as South Korea achieved democracy, we too will continue fighting for a better future.”

Joshua Wong Chi-fung, a leading figure in the Hong Kong democratization movement, offered these comments in a video conversation on the afternoon of July 22 with Kim Gil-ja, the 80-year-old mother of Moon Jae-hak, who was killed during the events of the May 1980 Democratization Movement in Gwangju.

The conversation that day took place at Wong’s request. He and fellow activist Nathan Law had planned to visit Gwangju this year for the 40th anniversary of the democratization movement. After those plans were cancelled due to the Hong Kong security law and the COVID-19 pandemic, they had a South Korean acquaintance deliver flowers in their stead at the May 18th National Cemetery on July 14. After previously having flowers laid at Moon’s grave, Wong spoke with Kim via video chat on July 22 to offer thanks and ask for support.

“We’re fighting for freedom, but that has only been possible because of sacrifices by mothers,” he said.

“Last year, people ranging from 11-year-old children to high school students and senior citizens were arrested while campaigning for democracy in Hong Kong. What Gwangju experienced yesterday is what Hong Kong is going through today,” he added, explaining that “Gwangju’s experience has been an inspiration that helps us continue the fight.”

“Moon Jae-hak sacrificed his life at a young age for the sake of democracy. Many young people are also fighting in Hong Kong,” Wong continued. “We will continue to fight so that the next generation does not have to make the same sacrifices that we have.”

Showing a picture of her son, Kim Gil-ja said, “It brings tears to my eyes to see Hong Kong citizens campaigning for democracy at a young age like Jae-hak did.”

“I will pray for you to protect yourselves and succeed,” she said, urging Wong to visit Gwangju in the future.

“I’ll make a delicious kimchi stew for you,” she promised.

Moon Jae-hak was killed at the age of 17 while defending the former South Jeolla Provincial Office, the last base of the civilian militia. He served as the real-life inspiration for the protagonist Dong-ho in Han Kang’s novel “Human Acts.”

Since August 2019, a relationship of solidarity has been forming as May 1980-related groups have issued statements of support for the revolution in Hong Kong, with Hong Kongers sending a commemorative letter online last May for the 40th anniversary of the May 1980 Democratization Movement.

After playing leading roles in the 2014 Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong, Joshua Wang and Nathan Law formed the Demosisto Party, spearheading the Hong Kong democratization movement as its secretary-general and secretary until its disbanding on June 30.

By Kim Yong-hee, staff reporter

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