Good By Eugene Soh: A Great Soul and Activist Who Stand for Democracy and Human Rights
Good By Eugene Soh: A Great Soul and Activist Who Stand for Democracy and Human Rights |
| Late Mr. Eugene Soh |
Some
beautiful souls dedicate themselves for the greater good and just for the wellbeing
of humanity in the world and such soul never forgotten in the world. Eugene Soh
was such a humble soul among them and he was a great human being who dedicated
his whole life to firmly standing against the tranny, martial law and military
regimes in the Republic of Korea and all over the world; he passes away on 16th
May 2019.
Eugene
Soh was a Korean-born American Citizen. He moved for higher education from
Korea to America in 1970. When the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Movement flaming,
Eugene was a student in the US. But, when he heard stories of the Korean
military regime brutalism and dreadfulness to suppress democracy movements, he turned
himself as part of the resistance and full-time protestor against the military regime
in Korea. He was also a narrative and activist who commonly protested in front of
White House, whenever Korean diplomats and Ministers visit Washington DC.
He
dedicated himself to lobbying for the democratization and reunification of
Korea. Eugene remained highly active during the May 18 Gwangju Democratic
Uprising in United States (US). He actively supported the pro-democracy movement
of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising through distributing the copies of
Baltimore Sun newspapers article about May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising in US-based
Korean and sent back to Korea activists. So, he can encourage them about their
struggles about their aspiration of democracy in Korea.
Kim
Dae-Jung, who was the most popular opposition political leader from Korea and
who was standing against the military regime came to the US in exile. Eugene very
closely worked, supported and assisted him to carry his political and
democratic campaign for South Korean democracy. He firmly and chiefly
dedicated himself to strive for the protection of human rights and the promotion
of democratization in Korea.
Finally
when democracy full achieved in Korea, and former President General Chun who was
responsible for the Gwangju massacre was brought to court, trialled and
convicted. He rejoices it and practically witnessed the biggest success of the
people over military regimes in the Republic of Korea. Thereafter, he started
to retold this amazing historical Gwangju Spirit success particularly to commune
in other Asian countries. So, he could encourage these Asian community to join
the May 18 Spirit and fight for democracy, despite all odds. He remarkably followed
his dream till his end of life.
Eugene always stands against human
rights violations all over the world. He also went to Sri Lanka to support his
fellow human rights activists against torture and enforced disappearance. Eugene
was a humble soul with full of dedication, strength and encouragement figure
for those who were standing for democratization and human rights in Asia. He
also visited various Asian where ever he heard human rights and
democratizations violations are taking place.
Basil Fernando, a laureate of Gwangju
Prize for Human Rights and Right Livelihood Award tribute Eugene as Mahatma
that means Great Soul. Eugene unquestionably was the great soul and highly the committed activist who promoted, supported and stood for genuine democracy in
Korea and around the world.
Eugene has left a Great legacy for people
of Gwangju and all over the world; He carried the torch of democracy and human
rights against military regimes during the black days. I am fully assured that his
great activism will inspire many of us to carry his torch that sparking to
promote and protect democracy and human rights all over the world.
However, the people of Gwangju will never
forget him and his sacrifices and struggle for democratization and his burial ceremony
offered in on 1st June 2019, at the old 5-18 cemetery Mangwool-dong, Gwangju.
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Shahnawaz is International Staff member who currently associated with the May 18 Memorial Foundation Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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