Democratic Party and Justice Party Gwangju Branches "Welcome the Passage of 5·18 Related Three Bills in the National Assembly Plenary Session"

Exhumation work is underway to collect samples to identify the unknown martyr at the 5.18 National Cemetery.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The three laws related to the May 18 Democratic Movement have passed the National Assembly plenary session, prompting the Democratic Party and the Justice Party to voice their welcome.

The Democratic Party of Korea Gwangju Metropolitan City Party issued a statement on the 10th, saying, “A bill that can punish forces that distort and belittle the history of the May 18 Democratic Movement has been enacted,” and added, “A foundation has been laid to reveal the truth that has been concealed for 40 years in detail, opening a path to somewhat restore the honor of the merit recipients and bereaved families.”

They continued, “This is the result of the wishes of Gwangju citizens and the people,” but “we cannot help but condemn the behavior of the People Power Party during the process.”

The city party stated, “Regarding the May 18 distortion punishment law, the People Power Party applied for a filibuster and, after receiving fierce public criticism, quietly withdrew the filibuster, but then cast opposing and abstaining votes in the bill vote,” emphasizing, “This effectively expressed opposition to the May 18 distortion punishment law.”

Furthermore, they said, “The party leader knelt and pretended to repent before the spirits of May, but ultimately revealed their true colors,” and “We strongly express regret over the People Power Party’s mere verbal ‘Honam companionship’ and strongly urge them to show sincerity through active cooperation on Gwangju’s pending bills.”

The Justice Party Gwangju Metropolitan City Party also expressed their voice through a press release on the same day, saying, “We very much welcome the passage of this meaningful bill.”

The Justice Party Gwangju City Party emphasized, “The People Power Party withdrew the filibuster on two May 18 special bills but opposed or abstained from the amendment of the special law, effectively opposing it,” and added, “This is no different from twice deceiving Gwangju citizens, May 18 victims, and bereaved families who firmly believed in Kim Jong-in’s emergency committee chairman’s ‘kneeling apology’ and ‘promise to pass the special law.’”

They demanded, “We must not forget that the sincerity of the People Power Party lies not in false apologies but in heartfelt acts of atonement.”