Iconic Gwangju Uprising Photojournalist Finally Revealed
In 1980, during the Gwangju Democratization Movement in South Korea, a powerful image emerged – a black-and-white photo of a bloodied student being clubbed by a paratrooper medic. This photo, along with other unsettling images from the brutal suppression, was captured by an unassuming man named Na Kyung Taek. For years, Mr. Na kept his identity hidden, fearing retribution from the military junta led by Chun Doo-hwan.
Now, at the age of 75, Mr. Na has come forward to share his story. Despite the lack of recognition, he remains haunted by the events he witnessed during that fateful spring in Gwangju. He reflects on the role he played in capturing the truth of the uprising, stating, “South Korean democracy began in Gwangju. I just did what little I could for its citizens.”
Born in Naju, near Gwangju, Mr. Na began his career as a photojournalist in 1967. When the Gwangju protests erupted in response to martial law imposed by Chun Doo-hwan, Mr. Na risked his life to document the atrocities committed by the military. Unable to publish his photos locally, he passed them on to foreign news media, including American news agency UPI.
The photos taken by Mr. Na and his colleague, Shin Bok-jin, were instrumental in exposing the truth of the Gwangju Uprising to the world. Despite facing threats and censorship, Mr. Na continued to document the events unfolding in Gwangju until the uprising was brutally suppressed by paratroopers.
Today, Mr. Na’s photos serve as a crucial record of the Gwangju Democratization Movement. His bravery and dedication to capturing the truth have been recognized by the Catholic church and UNESCO, which included his archive in the “Memory of the World” program.
As Mr. Na looks back on his experiences, he expresses one regret – not capturing the mass shooting that occurred during the uprising. Despite this, he continues to advocate for the truth and educate others about the importance of remembering the events of Gwangju.
Mr. Na’s story serves as a reminder of the power of journalism in exposing injustice and preserving historical truth. His courage in the face of danger has left a lasting impact on the fight for democracy in South Korea.
