Yoon's Remarks Defending Jeon Du-hwan
Belittling Gwangju Spirit
Rising Criticism from Ruling Party
[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Kang Deuk-gu, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (Anyang Manan), on the 21st, regarding Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party candidate's remarks defending Jeon Du-hwan, stated, "I see Jeon Du-hwan's face in Yoon Seok-yeol's face, who has no minimal sense of history. Democracy and Yoon Seok-yeol do not match," urging Yoon to resign from his candidacy. He emphasized that regardless of progressivism or conservatism, the Gwangju Spirit must not be belittled or damaged.
In a post on social media that day, Kang said, "If it were not for those who chose to perish like flower petals rather than flee before the bayonets of the new military regime, democracy in the Republic of Korea could not have come this far," adding, "Therefore, regardless of party or ideology, the Gwangju Spirit must never be belittled or damaged under any circumstances." Kang pointed out, "Isn't that why Representative Kim Jong-in and Representative Lee Jun-seok visited Mangwol-dong? However, by now praising Jeon Du-hwan, candidate Yoon has proven that the hand that caressed the tombstone at the National 5.18 Cemetery last July was a 'dirty hand.'"
Kang Deuk-gu, a member of the National Assembly Education Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 2nd. Kang urged for "full reopening of schools in the second semester and full operation of after-school programs" to eliminate educational inequality. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@
Earlier, former President Jeon visited the People Power Party's Busan Haeundae Gap district office on the 19th and caused a stir with his remarks defending Jeon Du-hwan, saying, "Many say that former President Jeon Du-hwan did well in politics except for the military coup and the May 18 incident." He added, "Even people from Honam say that."
Assemblyman Kang Deuk-gu stated, "The pain of the 1980s is the pain of all of us, and at its center was Jeon Du-hwan," and continued, "I believe in respecting differences and that everyone has the right to support a particular candidate, but if there are people who support Yoon Seok-yeol after today, I earnestly ask you to reconsider," urging, "Citizens, please withdraw your support for Yoon Seok-yeol now."
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