BTS took to global online fan community WeVerse to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising and honor the hundreds of lives lost. The historical movement holds particular significance to the group as member J-Hope was born and raised in Gwangju.
On May 18 KST, the agency uploaded a message to BTS fans, writing, "Our Hobi's hometown, Gwangju" and adding the hashtags 'Memorial Gwangju,' 'Memorial 518,' and '518 Democratization Movement.' An image of a black ribbon, which signifies mourning and condolences, was shared with the message.
Meanwhile, J-Hope is well-known to be from Gwangju, and even wrote lyrics in reference to the Gwangju Uprising in BTS's 2015 song "Ma City."
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Rough English Translation of the lyrics mentioned for those interested:
Im a South Jeollado, Gwangju's baby
Even if my footsteps go to the mountains
It always goes to the summit of Mt. Mudeung, every day
My life is hot, the heat of the south
Theres no such thing as giving up on the law of this fierce heat
I put on a KIA and I turn on the engine
Bounce like crazy
With just one dance I raise my big dream of being a singer
Now in front of reality (I do) music and I jump on stage
Everyone saw, right? I put in passion
Im Gwangjus hoshigi, the countrys 8 provinces gear up
If you want to see me then gather at 7
Everyone dial it, 062 - 518
And this explains the significance of the lyrics:
"However, J-Hope's lines have caught attention from fans. Or, more precisely, his ending lines that say, "If you want to see me, come gather at 7 o' clock. Everyone press 062-518." The site 'IlBe' degrades Gwangju often, especially the 5-18 Democracy Uprising that ended in the massacre in the city. '7 o' clock' is one of the terms used for Gwangju because it is at the 7 o' clock position on the map. '062' is Gwangju's area code, and the '518' seems to be referring to the uprising."
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