[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] The Gwangju Metropolitan City branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) has urged the withdrawal of the state funeral decision for former President Roh Tae-woo.
On the 27th, the Gwangju branch of KTU stated in a press release, "Roh Tae-woo never issued any direct apology for the Gwangju massacre during his lifetime," adding, "Given this situation, honoring the death of that ringleader with a state funeral causes great shame to teachers, students, and parents who are jointly building democratic civic education."
They said, " Teachers in Gwangju have taught that the Republic of Korea is a democratic republic whose sovereignty comes from the people, and the history of Gwangju citizens who resisted the coup forces and worked to protect the constitution through the May 18 Democratic Movement," continuing, "When students who have learned the value and importance of the May 18 Democratic Movement ask about the situation where the main culprit of the coup, rebellion, and the Gwangju massacre is honored with a state funeral, how can this be logically explained?"
They then appealed to Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop and Gwangju Superintendent of Education Jang Hui-guk, saying, "Do not hang flags at half-mast during the state funeral period on the land of Gwangju, where the blood and tears of May 18 are engraved," adding, "This is an act that drives a nail into the hearts of Gwangju citizens who deeply remember May 18 and its pain."
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