In May 1980, the city of Gwangju became the epicenter of civil unrest as citizens, inspired by the desire for a democratic government in South Korea, instigated significant protests against the authoritarian regime. The movement was fueled by anger over the government’s use of martial law and the assassination of a prominent opposition leader. By the end of the month, civil militias had risen up, asserting control over the city, which prompted a severe response from the military government. On May 27, government troops, including airborne units, launched a full-scale military operation aimed at regaining control over Gwangju. This violent confrontation resulted in a large number of casualties; official reports have documented at least 207 deaths, but this number is widely believed to be an undercount. Many witnesses and researchers estimate that the actual death toll could be several hundred higher. The brutality of the military's crackdown included attacks on civilians, and many were wounded or disappeared in the fray. The event underscored the deep divisions within South Korean society at the time and remains a pivotal moment in the country’s history of struggles for democracy.