Yoon Suk-yeol: "Not Defending Jeon Du-hwan... Accepting Criticism and Expressing Regret"

"Planning to Visit Gwangju Immediately After the TV Debate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Yoon Seok-yeol, former Prosecutor General, who sparked controversy with remarks defending former President Jeon Du-hwan, stated, "I humbly accept the many criticisms and points that my explanations and analogies were inappropriate, and I express my regret."

On the morning of the 21st, before announcing youth pledges at the People Power Party headquarters, Yoon made these remarks. He explained, "I have consistently emphasized that if the constitution is amended, the spirit of May 18 should be included in the preamble of the constitution, just like the spirit of April 19," and clarified, "My remarks at the Haeundae Party Committee were never intended to defend or praise the Fifth Republic under former President Jeon."

He further emphasized the intent of his remarks, saying, "It means to widely discover experts in each field, delegate authority, and practice responsible politics." However, he added, "From now on, I will humbly listen to the will of the people and definitely achieve the regime change that the public desires."

During a Q&A session with reporters after explaining his pledges, when asked if his expression of regret was delayed, he responded, "It may have been late," but added, "Yesterday, I spoke about the wounds caused by trauma that May 18 victims might have." He reiterated, "Regardless of my intentions, if there is criticism that my message was inappropriate in the process of being conveyed to the public, it is right to accept that criticism, which is why I am speaking here today."

Regarding his plan to visit Gwangju, he said, "I had plans to go," and "I intend to visit immediately after the TV debate schedule ends."

Earlier, on the 19th, Yoon visited the office of Ha Tae-kyung, a People Power Party lawmaker for Busan Haeundae Gap, and mentioned former President Jeon, saying, "Except for the military coup and the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, there are mistakes, but many say he did well politically," and "People from Honam also say such things," which drew criticism from the Honam region and political circles.

Despite continuous demands for an apology, Yoon only explained the intent of his remarks and did not express an apology. Even in this situation, on Yoon’s Instagram account that day, a childhood photo of him was posted along with the phrase, "Seok-yeol hyung still likes apples the most among fruits," which sparked another round of controversy.