Ahead of the 40th Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, Jeon Du-hwan in Gwangju... May Without Apology

Former President Jeon Du-hwan is entering the courthouse on the 27th to appear as a defendant at the Gwangju District Court. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Ahead of the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, former President Jeon Du-hwan (89), who was indicted on charges of defaming the honor of the May 18 victims (defamation of the deceased), visited Gwangju. Although the May 18 event has remained a "pain of the era" for 40 years, former President Jeon, who was a powerful military figure at the time and is suspected of ordering helicopter shootings, denied all charges and did not apologize for May 18.

At around 8:25 a.m. on the 27th of last month, former President Jeon left his home in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, to attend a trial held at the Gwangju District Court. Wearing a dark blue military-style suit, a fedora, and a mask, former President Jeon got into his vehicle with his wife, Lee Soon-ja (82). Although dozens of reporters were waiting, he did not say a word. It is known that he suffers from Alzheimer's and other conditions, but he walked without assistance.

The trial of former President Jeon, who is charged with defamation of the deceased, was held on the same day in Criminal Courtroom 201 of the Gwangju District Court, presided over by Judge Kim Jeong-hoon of Criminal Division 8. Jeon participated in the trial wearing a hearing aid. When the judge asked if he could hear well, he shook his head from side to side, and with the help of his wife Lee Soon-ja, he underwent a recognition examination confirming his date of birth, occupation, and residence. During the trial, he was seen dozing off at times.

After the recognition examination, he closed his eyes but denied the charges. When the presiding judge asked if he acknowledged the prosecutor's allegations, he opened his eyes and said, "As far as I know, there was no shooting from helicopters at that time." Jeon added, "If there had been shooting from helicopters, there would have been many casualties," and said, "I do not believe that reckless helicopter shootings were carried out by helicopter gunners, who are sons of the Republic of Korea, whether lieutenants or captains."

Jeon's legal representative, lawyer Jeong Ju-kyo, argued, "The helicopter shooting theory mentioned by the Ministry of National Defense's Special Investigation Committee is not true," and added, "It is an irresponsible claim by some forces trying to divide the people and distort history. It is absurd for the military to label Gwangju citizens as enemies." In response, an audience member protested, saying, "Then who killed the citizens of Gwangju?"

Former President Jeon was indicted on charges of defamation for claiming in his memoir published in April 2017 that the late Father Jo Bi-o's eyewitness testimony of helicopter shootings was false, and for criticizing Father Jo as a "shameless liar unworthy of being called a clergyman." After attending a trial once last year for the recognition examination, Jeon had submitted absence notes citing health reasons and did not attend, but with a change of presiding judge, the trial procedure was renewed.

Former President Jeon returned home about 12 hours after leaving for the trial that day. Although dozens of reporters were waiting, he did not say anything.