Calls are growing for the renaming of Jeju's ‘516 Road,’ a highway commemorating a past military coup leader, amid discussions about the implications of such a memorial in a democratic society.
The ‘516 Road’ in Jeju, South Korea, named after the military coup of May 16, has come under scrutiny for continuing to stand as a commemoration of a figure who symbolizes authoritarianism. Initially described as a beautiful and peaceful place, the road’s name stands in stark contrast to the democratic values the island represents today. The road serves as a critical highway connecting Jeju City to Seogwipo, yet its name evokes an uncomfortable history that many believe should not be celebrated or commemorated, especially in a contemporary context where memories of military dictatorship are still raw.
