A military boot was found hanging from a sign related to the May 18 Democratization Movement in downtown Gwangju.

Relevant authorities have launched an investigation to determine how this occurred.

As you can see, the sign is labeled "May Road." It is an information sign for the May Road, which was established near the former Gwangju Intercity Bus Terminal, designated as the 3rd historical site of the May 18 Democratization Movement. A single military boot was found hanging underneath it.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Government and the May 18 Memorial Foundation are investigating the exact circumstances, including whether there was an intent to mock the May 18 Democratization Movement by using a military boot, which symbolizes the martial law troops.

Given the recent series of incidents suspected of disparaging the May 18 movement—such as the Starbucks "Tank Day" event and a high school baseball team's "Let's go to Starbucks" cheering slogan—the authorities plan to request a police investigation if intentionality is confirmed.

Park Gang-bae, standing director of the May 18 Memorial Foundation, stated that they would carefully verify the facts before determining whether there was an intent to distort or deny the May 18 Democratization Movement.