Na Kyung-taek : Bloody Crackdown: Secret Photographer Unveiled

It is a powerful image that has come to symbolize the struggle for democracy in South Korea — a black-and-white photograph of a bloodied student being brutally beaten by a paratrooper medic. This iconic image, captured during the Gwangju Democratization Movement in 1980, was the first visual evidence of the violent suppression that took place in the city.

For many years, the identity of the photographer behind this haunting image remained a mystery. Na Kyung-taek, the unassuming man who risked his life to document the atrocities in Gwangju, kept his identity hidden out of fear of reprisal from the military junta led by Chun Doo-hwan. Despite the lack of recognition, Na’s photos played a crucial role in exposing the brutal crackdown and highlighting the sacrifices made by the citizens of Gwangju.

A Brave Photojournalist’s Journey

Na Kyung-taek, now 75 years old, was born in Naju, near Gwangju, in 1949. He began his career as a photojournalist at Jeonnam Maeil, one of the local newspapers in Gwangju, in 1967. Na witnessed firsthand the oppressive regime of President Park Chung-hee and later the brutal crackdown by Chun Doo-hwan following Park’s assassination.

During the Gwangju uprising in May 1980, Na risked his life to capture the harrowing scenes of violence and resistance in the city. Despite facing censorship and intimidation, Na managed to document the atrocities committed by the military forces, including the infamous image of the student being attacked by the paratrooper medic.

The Power of Truth in Photos

Na Kyung-taek’s photos, along with those taken by other journalists like Shin Bok-jin, provided irrefutable evidence of the military’s brutal actions in Gwangju. These images were smuggled out of the city and shared with foreign news media, exposing the truth to the world and putting pressure on the South Korean government to acknowledge the atrocities.

Despite the risks involved, Na and his fellow journalists continued to document the unfolding events in Gwangju, capturing the courage and resilience of the citizens who stood up against tyranny. Their images became a rallying cry for democracy and justice in South Korea.

A Legacy of Courage and Resilience

Na Kyung-taek’s photographs from the Gwangju uprising have been recognized as an invaluable historical record of a pivotal moment in South Korea’s struggle for democracy. In 2011, the archive of photos was included in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” program, preserving the legacy of those who fought for freedom in Gwangju.

Today, Na continues to share his story and the importance of bearing witness to history through photography. Despite the challenges and dangers he faced during the uprising, Na remains committed to ensuring that the truth about Gwangju is remembered and honoured.

As South Korea reflects on its journey towards democracy, Na Kyung-taek’s photos serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the people of Gwangju and the power of truth in the face of oppression.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.