Democratic Party Candidate Oh Ha-geun for Suncheon Mayor Commemorates May 18

The Spirit of ‘Gonggdonche’ Found in May of 1980

[Suncheon=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] In May 1980, Gwangju was a period during which the administrative authority, under the command of martial law troops and the new military regime, lost its function, and citizens formed an ‘absolute community’ that completely identified their own lives with those of their fellow protesters and the citizens of Gwangju.

Oh Ha-geun, candidate for Suncheon mayor, emphasized that on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of May 18, based on the spirit of democracy, human rights, and peace of May, he would become one body with the citizens of Suncheon as an ‘absolute community,’ just like May’s Gwangju.

Candidate Oh said, “I have not forgotten and still remember the noble sacrifice of that spring day in 1980,” and “I extend my deepest respect and condolences to the May 18 Democratic Movement veterans and bereaved families.”

He added, “The desire for democratization, where citizens become the true owners of the Republic of Korea, is still ongoing,” and “Achieving complete fact-finding and restoration of honor, as well as establishing the historical significance of the May spirit through inclusion in the preamble of the Constitution, is a mission given not only to me but to all Democratic Party members. It is a heartfelt debt placed on our shoulders as we live in today’s economically and culturally strong Republic of Korea,” reflecting on the tasks left by the May spirit.

Candidate Oh also stated, “I will work together for a hopeful May tomorrow,” and “I will take the lead until the truth-finding and restoration of honor regarding the 74 years of grievance of Suncheon citizens and the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident are faithfully carried out according to the special law,” recalling the historical issues faced by Suncheon citizens.

Oh Ha-geun, candidate for Suncheon mayor, said, “As the Democratic Party candidate who has taken the lead more than anyone in setting the May history straight and inheriting the May spirit, the meaning of today is beyond words,” and “I will do my best with the Democratic Party so that the pain of our Suncheon can be fully healed and we can move toward a new future.”