5·18 Foundation Former Chairpersons Strongly Criticize 'Special Forces Society Inclusion'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] As opposition to the 'Joint National Declaration Ceremony' between the May 18 organizations and the Special Forces Veterans Association spreads, former chairpersons of the May 18 Memorial Foundation have also strongly criticized the event.

According to the May 18 Memorial Foundation on the 17th, former chairpersons Lee Ki-hong (2nd), Park Seok-mu (7th), Lee Hong-gil (8th), Yoon Kwang-jang (9th), Kim Joon-tae (10th), Cha Myung-seok (12th), and Lee Cheol-woo (13th) stated in a declaration, "It is a deplorable act that disgraces and defiles the righteous history of the May uprising."

They noted that among the three May organizations, the Injured Association and the Meritorious Persons Association held a meeting regarding the Special Forces Veterans Association, who came down to Gwangju in May 1980 as suppression troops, and the announcement of the 'Joint National Declaration for Inclusion and Reconciliation.'

The chairpersons criticized, "Even now, historical condemnation of the perpetrators has not been properly carried out, and the investigation into the truth is ongoing," adding, "Bringing up inclusion and reconciliation suddenly and without basis is a miserable and 'thoughtless political show' by some members of the May organizations, stemming from politically distorted selfishness."

They urged, "Immediately withdraw the Special Forces Veterans Association's plan to visit the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery and to announce the joint national declaration."