An investigation has confirmed cases of sexual abuse and violence by soldiers during the brutal suppression of the May 18th Democratic Movement in Gwangju in 1980.<br />A joint investigation led by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, the Human Rights Commission and the Defense Ministry identified 17 cases of sexual assault. <br />Eight of those cases were newly filed to the investigation team, and nine cases were confirmed by documents recorded during the movement and documents of compensation for the victims.<br />The victims included high school and college students and housewives.<br />The May 18th pro-democracy movement in 1980 laid the groundwork for democracy in South Korea. <br />
