A humanities group in Gwangju, South Korea, organized a performance to denounce the violent suppression of anti-government protests in Iran. On May 7, during the Gwangju Citizens' Free University assembly, members crafted a display with the slogan 'Freedom for Iran' and planned to share a video of the performance on social media this week. This action was marked by an artistic creation involving members who cut and glued paper to represent the colors of the Iranian flag, ultimately assembling phrases in English, Korean, and Persian to express their solidarity with the Iranian people's struggle for freedom.

Professor Lee Heesoo, an expert on the Middle East, explained the current situation in Iran through the video, emphasizing that the solidarity shown by Gwangju citizens could provide significant support to the people of Iran. The performance concluded with the group chanting 'Freedom for Iran' in three languages in front of their art piece, followed by a rendition of 'March for the Beloved', a song symbolizing the May 18th Gwangju Uprising and the South Korean democratization movement. Such expressions of solidarity not only connect the historical narratives of two nations but also highlight the empathetic bonds formed through shared experiences of struggle and oppression.

The organizing committee member, Choi Haeng-jun, reflected on the striking similarities between the current Iranian situation and the isolation felt during the Gwangju Uprising in 1980. His intention was to convey a strong message against the violence faced by Iranians and to express the understanding and compassion that Gwangju citizens have for the suffering endured by the Iranian populace. The performance underscores the importance of international solidarity in the face of oppression, suggesting that movements for freedom can resonate across borders and cultures, bringing together disparate voices against tyranny.