Senior officials of political parties gathered in Gwangju to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the May 18th Democratization Movement.

Floor leader of the de facto ruling Uri Party Chun Jung-bae lauded victims of the movement for laying the foundation of South Korea's democracy and development. Chun pledged to lead the country to prosperity by keeping alive the spirit of those who perished fighting for democracy in the southwestern city.

The chairwoman of the main opposition Grand National Party Park Geun-hye said the May 18th Democratization Movement has contributed greatly to the nation's democracy, and expressed her wish for the spirit to spread all across the Korean Peninsula.

The progressive Democratic Labor Party pledged in a statement that it would work hard to carry on the spirit of the May 18th movement and realize true equality and a spirit of independence.