[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Metropolitan City has decided not to fly flags at half-mast or set up a memorial altar during the state funeral period for the late former President Roh Tae-woo.
On the 27th, Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop and Gwangju City Council Chairman Kim Yong-jip issued a joint statement saying, “Our city respects the government’s decision to hold the late former President Roh’s funeral as a ‘state funeral,’ but we will fulfill the historical responsibility given to Gwangju and honor the will of the May spirits and the citizens of Gwangju.”
They continued, “While the deceased was a president of our country and it is proper to mourn the deceased, our Gwangju cannot do so,” adding, “He was a key figure in the May 18 Gwangju Massacre, and despite knowing the truth of that day, including the order to open fire, he passed away without sincere remorse, apology, or any cooperation in uncovering the truth of May 18 during his lifetime.”
They also stated, “He ultimately ignored the innocent citizens who lost their lives due to state violence, the May families who lost their loved ones overnight and have spent over 40 years in grief and anger without sleep, and the numerous missing persons whose whereabouts remain unknown,” expressing “our deep regret and sorrow over this.”
Furthermore, they emphasized, “The historical responsibility of national leaders transcends life and death and is eternal,” and “History can provide lessons and hold great power only when it is recorded and remembered correctly.”
They added, “Only Gwangju, the city that has always led the times, will take the path of establishing and preserving history correctly,” and “We will fulfill our era’s responsibility by bringing about sincere remorse and apology from those responsible for May 18, including Jeon Du-hwan, and by clearly revealing the truth of that day.”
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