42nd Anniversary Speech of the Democratization Movement... Emphasis on the Message of 'National Unity'
"Democracy and Human Rights Values Protected by Blood... Philosophy Uniting the People as One"
President Yoon Suk-yeol is attending the 42nd anniversary ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Movement held at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on the morning of the 18th.
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized on the 18th that "the May spirit is the restoration of universal values and the very spirit of the liberal democratic constitution."
On the same day, President Yoon attended the 42nd anniversary ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Movement held at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.
This was the first time a conservative party president attended the ceremony with a large number of party and government officials and aides, and President Yoon's commemorative speech also focused on the message of 'national unity.'
President Yoon said, "The May spirit belongs to all of us and is a precious asset of the Republic of Korea," adding, "It commands us to strongly resist illegal acts that threaten freedom and human rights even now."
He continued, "The values of liberal democracy and human rights are the philosophy of unity that binds our people together," emphasizing, "The May spirit, which was defended with blood to protect these values, is the cornerstone of national unity."
He also explained, "Responsibly inheriting this spirit is the starting point for the prosperity of our descendants and the nation."
Furthermore, he stated, "Gwangju and Honam must blossom vast economic achievements for the universal values of liberal democracy and human rights," and "We must achieve AI and advanced industry advancement and make a vigorous leap forward."
He added, "I am confident that Gwangju and Honam, the cradle of liberal democracy, will take the lead in the journey to achieve a new leap forward for the Republic of Korea."
On the same day, President Yoon laid flowers and incense and observed a moment of silence with Hwang Il-bong, chairman of the May 18 People's Uprising Injured Association, Park Hae-sook, chairman of the bereaved families association, and Lim Jong-su, chairman of the merit association, in front of the May 18 People's Uprising Memorial Tower.
He watched the memorial and commemorative performances themed "The Truth of May" and led the singing of the democratic movement memorial song "March for the Beloved."
After all the proceedings ended, he visited the first burial site with his aides, bowed his head to the May spirits, and expressed his condolences.
It was reported that about 100 members of the People Power Party, including party leaders such as Lee Jun-seok and Kwon Seong-dong and affiliated lawmakers, attended the ceremony.
The fact that the People Power Party virtually chose 'all to Gwangju' was interpreted as an intention to support President Yoon's unification efforts and to soothe the Honam electorate ahead of the June 1 local elections.
Party leader Lee Jun-seok told reporters on the same day, "The issue of enshrining the May 18 spirit in the constitution is a matter without disagreement between the two major parties," adding, "Since constitutional amendment requires gathering the will of the people, we will gather consensus after the local elections."
He also said, "There have been no disparaging remarks about Honam within the party for nearly two years, and we will no longer use ideological debates as weapons for political strife," adding, "We will overcome the mistakes regarding Gwangju and Honam and compete proudly on issues such as regional jobs and industrial development, just like in the last presidential election."
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