18^th May 1980, is a large-scale installation that includes 140 glass bottles with metal / plastic lids containing leaves, various objects and air along with handwritten notes on paper. The Gwangju Democratization Movement was a civil uprising, that took place from 18 to 27 May 1980 in the city of Gwangju, South Korea. During this period, citizens revolted against the military dictatorship and took control of the city. This uprising is often referred to as 5.18, which is also the day the uprising started. To commemorate this event there were various initiatives launched in Gwangju, amongst them was a local bus route no. 518. This route navigated through the city making 61 stops; some of these stops mark the incidents where the uprisings occurred.

Public participation has always been an essential part for the artist’s projects. For 18^th May 1980, he along with the help of a local associate, collected random thoughts from diverse people who used the bus route no. 518. These individuals were also requested to seal leaves or anything organic they found around the bus stop in glass bottles. Random thoughts along with details such as name, date, time, location, and approximate temperature were also recorded on paper. These accumulated time capsules were suspended from the ceiling and when seen from above they collectively take form of the numerals 518, in Sino Korean. 18^th May 1980, draws together an ethereal connection between the relationship of objects, location, history and the private thoughts of individuals.

Air(Travel) Set #1, 2006, a previous artwork by the artist was a key starting point in developing the installation in Gwangju. In 2011, 18^th May 1980, was first exhibited as part of a group exhibition, ‘The Flower of May’ at Gwangju Museum, South Korea, to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Gwangju Democratization Movement. The exhibition was curated by Yongwoo Lee and the installation was produced and facilitated by Gwangju Biennale Foundation.