South Korea marked the 31st anniversary of the May 18th Pro-democracy Movement Wednesday at the May 18th national cemetery in Gwangju.

Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik conveyed a message at the event on the behalf of President Lee Myung-bak. In his statement, Lee urged South Korea to move toward a more democratic society in which social integration will be solidified based on the achievements of pro-democracy activists in the past.

The president said that the Gwangju movement had planted the hope of democratization through sacrifices made by the participants of the democratic uprising. He added that the movement had led to the June pro-democracy movement in 1987 and significantly helped restore democracy in South Korea.

Lee said that South Korea has laid the solid foundation for democracy but still must make efforts to become a more mature democratic society. He added that anyone can freely express their opinions and defend their interest in a democratic society, but specific individuals or groups should not unilaterally pursue their own interest, causing extreme social conflict and confrontation.

The May 18th Pro-democracy Movement is a popular uprising in the city of Gwangju in 1980. During the movement, protesters rose up against military dictatorship and took control of the city, but were quelled by the military.