Ahn Cheol-soo Visits Gwangju 5·18 Cemetery... "I Came to Apologize"

Regarding the Third Zone Integration, "I will seek support from many people"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Gwangju=Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former Bareunmirae Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo visited the Gwangju National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on the 20th to lay flowers and incense for the May spirits, then paid respects at the graves of the late martyr Park Gwan-hyeon and the joint graves of the late martyrs Yoon Sang-won and Park Ki-soon.

Immediately after the visit, Ahn told reporters regarding the founding process of the Bareunmirae Party, “I failed to fully understand the feelings of many who supported the People’s Party,” adding, “They must have felt hurt, and though belated, I sincerely apologize.”

Ahn said, “For the future of the Republic of Korea, I believed that harmony between Yeongnam and Honam regions and national unity were necessary,” and “I thought it was meaningful for the People’s Party, which is based in Honam, to extend a hand first, playing a role in correcting the course of history at critical moments.”

Regarding the merger with the Alternative New Party and the Party for Democracy and Peace, Ahn stated, “I think ideology and direction are the most important,” and “If the ideology aligns, I will seek the support of many.” He added, “I am not talking about opportunistic alliances,” and “I returned to the country to talk about the right direction I believe our country should take.”

When asked whether a pragmatic centrist party would also be based in Honam, Ahn replied, “I think the order is to meet and talk with many people inside and outside the party,” and “I will seek the consent of many and make decisions together.”

Some Gwangju citizens held a protest on the day of Ahn’s visit, carrying a banner that read, “Soulless cemetery visit, fooled once, fooled twice?” In response, Ahn said, “I thank many who supported me, and I came to apologize for my shortcomings during that process,” adding, “That is my sole purpose.”

Ahn left a message in the guestbook, stating, “I will deeply engrave in my heart the spirits of those who sacrificed their precious lives to break the wall of dictatorship and achieve democratization. I will realize true genuine democracy by creating a country where peace and human rights breathe, a fair society, and a world without cheating and privilege.”