Gwangju city has come under scrutiny for its initial decision to permit a lecture by Lee Jin-suk, a controversial figure accused of downplaying the Gwangju Democratization Movement, at the historically significant Jeonil Building. This venue is known for being a site where military brutality took place in 1980 during the protests. Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung revealed that the organizers had registered the event without mentioning Lee's name, referring instead to 'a famous person' who would be giving the lecture. This lack of transparency led to the eventual cancellation of the event, as the mayor reiterated the city's stance against providing a platform for individuals perceived to undermine democratic values.

This lot of events comes in the wake of Lee's recent remarks, which inflamed tensions in the region. In a social media post from June 2023, she labeled the Gwangju uprising participants as 'rioters' and criticized the portrayal of former President Chun Doo-hwan as a scapegoat in the historical narrative of the events. Such statements have heightened local sensitivities surrounding the Gwangju incident, making the community particularly vigilant against any perceived threats to their historical narrative. Lee's track record of provocative comments, including disparaging remarks about a popular film that details the military coup leading to the uprising, reinforces the city's concerns.

The backlash regarding the canceled event showcases the delicate balance local governments must navigate when addressing historical grievances while promoting freedom of expression. The protests from the local community highlight the enduring impact of the Gwangju uprising on regional identity and memory, making it clear that any attempts to engage with the historical narrative must be approached with a strong awareness of its sensitivities. Mayor Kang's decisive move to rescind the venue rental reflects an effort to protect the historical sanctity of the site, as Gwangju continues to grapple with its legacy.