Governor Lee Jae-myung Seeks Help for 'Myanmar Democracy Network' Leader Wanted

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] It was recently confirmed that 'So Moe Thu (SOE MOE THU)', chairman of the Myanmar Labor Welfare Center in Korea who met Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung earlier this month to vividly convey the Myanmar situation where hundreds of precious lives were lost due to a military coup and requested help, and 'Yan Naing Htun (YAN NAING HTUN)', head of the Myanmar National League for Democracy (NLD) Korea branch, were designated as wanted on charges of defamation by the Myanmar military.

The 'Myanmar Democracy Network', co-headed by Yan Naing Htun, head of the Korea branch, and So Moe Thu, chairman of the operating committee, stated in a Facebook statement on the 25th, "The military coup forces in Myanmar designated Yan Naing Htun, head of the Korea branch and co-head of the Myanmar Democracy Network, and So Moe Thu, chairman, as wanted on March 23 for allegedly spreading false information that could cause the international community to misunderstand the Myanmar situation during their meeting with Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung earlier this month, thereby damaging the honor(?) of the rebel forces."

The two representatives were already wanted last month on charges of bringing 250 million KRW raised through fundraising activities in Korea to support the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) of public officials in Myanmar and distributing it to striking public officials inside Myanmar.

Earlier, Governor Lee Jae-myung held an informal meeting on the 2nd of last month with six officials from the 'Myanmar Military Dictatorship Overthrow Committee', including So Moe Thu, chairman of the operating committee, and Yan Naing Htun, head of the Korea branch, to share the situation of the Myanmar democratization movement and listen to difficulties within the local community, as about half of the registered foreign nationals from Myanmar in Korea reside in the Gyeonggi area.

The Myanmar Military Dictatorship Overthrow Committee is an organization composed of Myanmar activists, workers, and international students residing in Korea. It was formed immediately after the military coup incident early last month and has been conducting activities such as condemnation protests, issuing statements, and fundraising to support protesters on the ground.

At the meeting, Governor Lee strongly criticized the coup, saying, "Overthrowing a government established by the people themselves through force and establishing a military regime is an unacceptable challenge to human civilization, considering the universal values of human rights and the global desire for democracy."

He added, "(The current situation in Myanmar) is very similar to what happened in Gwangju over 40 years ago. Our history went through the Gwangju democratization movement, followed by suppression and concealment, and then the people's struggle led to a proper democratic system. I expect Myanmar to overcome difficulties and establish true democracy according to the will of its people."

Governor Lee also said, "Gyeonggi Province will look for what can be done at the local government level and work together with you," and added, "I hope Myanmar quickly restores its democratic system."

So Moe Thu expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for actively responding to our request for a meeting despite your busy schedule," and requested, "We know that Governor Lee Jae-myung is implementing policies and paying attention to migrant workers and multicultural families. Please continue to show interest and support so that the people of Myanmar can end the military regime and regain democracy."

Governor Lee also performed the 'Three-finger salute', symbolizing the resistance of the Myanmar people, together with the attendees that day.

Currently, about 11,305 people, approximately 45% of the 24,985 registered foreign nationals from Myanmar nationwide, reside in Gyeonggi Province. Among them, 96% work as laborers in areas with many manufacturing businesses.