A candlelight-eve for honoring the memory of the martyrs of the uprising was held in Kwangju on May 17, with the attendance of more than 5 000 people including bereaved families, religionists and members of civic and social organizations.

The participants sang in chorus the song "March for Dear Ones". Then a performance depicting the final resistance on May 27, 1980 was given.

On May 18, a commemorative meeting took place in Mangwol-dong of Kwangju with at least 10 000 people in attendance.

Similar events were also held in Seoul, Pusan, Taegu and other parts of south Korea.