With President Lee Myung-bak attending the ceremony for the first time, it had been feared that a surprise rally might be staged by progressive civic groups and the Korea Federation of University Students Council in protest against the government's decision to reopen the country's market to U.S. beef imports.

But no clashes broke out due to tight security measures taken by police. Police mobilized about 9,000 police officers, including troops from about 90 companies of riot police from across the country.

Various kinds of events, such as a national conference to inherit the spirit of the 1980 democratic movement, were held here and there in Gwangju that day. Memorial services for the victims of the movement were also held in various cities and counties throughout South Jeolla Province, Seoul and Incheon.

The ceremony held at the May 18th National Cemetery was attended by President Lee, Grand National Party chairman Kang Jae-sup, United Democratic Party chairmen Sohn Hak-kyu and Park Sang-chun, Liberty Forward Party chairman Lee Hoi-chang, and South Jeolla Province governor Park Joon-yung, as well as about 2,500 people, including the bereaved families of the 1980 movement victims, civic group members and ordinary citizens.

In his address, Lee said, "I'm lowering my head to pray for the repose of the souls of those who fell during the 1980 movement for freedom and democracy 28 years ago today. The spirit of the 1980 democratic movement is a valuable asset in itself. But we must develop it as a spiritual pillar with which we can build a top-notch, advanced nation."

(englishnews@chosun.com )