Jeon Du-hwan's Grandson Boards Flight to Korea... "Family's Guilt Is Too Great"

Plan to Apologize to 5·18 Bereaved Families After Arrival
"Will Undergo Police Investigation for Drug Use Allegations"

Jeon Du-hwan, former President Jeon Du-hwan's grandson, Jeon Woo-won, reiterated on the 27th (Korean time) that "the family's sins were too great" in relation to the May 18 Democratic Movement.

Before boarding a flight to Korea at JFK International Airport in New York, USA, Woo-won said in an interview with a media outlet, "When I was young, I was taught at home that the May 18 event was a riot and that our family was the victim." He added, "After hearing the sincere stories and testimonies of those who suffered the tragedy, I realized the truth," and said, "I want to take this opportunity to offer a proper apology and repentance."

Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of President Jeon Du-hwan, is giving an interview before boarding a return flight at JFK Airport in New York, USA, on the 26th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Woo-won stated that he would apologize directly to the bereaved families of the May 18 Democratic Movement in Gwangju upon arriving in Korea. When asked if he had coordinated his schedule with May 18 organizations, he said, "I contacted them saying 'I plan to go to Gwangju, and I would be very grateful for any help,' but I have not yet received a reply." Regarding the possibility that his plan to visit Gwangju might be canceled due to a police investigation, he said, "I really want to go to Gwangju, but if I am not allowed, that too is my fate, so I will accept it."

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit has begun a preliminary investigation into Woo-won's alleged drug use. Regarding this, Woo-won said, "I will undergo the investigation," and added, "I consider even the opportunity to apologize a privilege." When questioned about doubts concerning the credibility of his statements due to drug use, he said, "I lacked courage and borrowed the power of drugs to speak, but I sincerely apologize for the drugs and will not do it again."

Previously, Woo-won raised suspicions of slush funds within his family through his social media accounts. He claimed that the family was living a luxurious life with money from unknown sources. When asked about evidence regarding the slush funds, he said, "I have no additional evidence other than what I posted on social media," but added, "Even if there is evidence, I think it would be difficult to be judged under the current legal system."

Woo-won said that his family discouraged his trip to Korea, citing the possibility of punishment. If he were punished in Korea, it could make it difficult for him to enter the United States, where he currently lives. Nevertheless, he said, "I am prepared to give up what I have," and has not changed his decision to go to Korea. Woo-won is scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 28th.