Jeon Du-hwan's grandson Jeon Woo-won released... "If possible, I will visit Gwangju today"

Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of the late former president Jeon Du-hwan, who was arrested on drug use charges, was released on the afternoon of the 29th. It is reported that Jeon left for Gwangju immediately after his release.

Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of the late Jeon Du-hwan, who was released after investigation on drug use charges, is speaking as he leaves the Mapo Police Station in Seoul on the afternoon of the 29th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit completed the suspect interrogation around 7:55 p.m. that day and released Jeon at the Mapo Police Station. It was 36 hours after the police investigation began.

After his release, Jeon met with reporters and said, "If possible, I will head to Gwangju today," reiterating his intention to apologize to the families and victims of the May 18 incident. He added, "I am truly grateful to the citizens of Gwangju who accept a sinner like me," and said, "I want to keep in touch until their hearts are eased, and I consider their acceptance a blessing."

When asked about his schedule in Korea, he said, "I plan to stay as long as necessary." Regarding the drug use charges, he stated, "As I revealed on the broadcast, I admitted to drug use during the police investigation."

After answering reporters' questions, Jeon had a conversation with members of the May 18 Democratic Movement Contributors Association who came to the release site. A representative of the association said to Jeon, "On behalf of the bereaved families, we warmly welcome you," and requested, "Please offer a sincere apology." When Jeon replied, "Thank you," members of the association present applauded.

The police arrested Jeon when he arrived at Incheon International Airport the previous morning. Considering that Jeon admitted the charges and voluntarily returned to the country, the police, who were contemplating applying for an arrest warrant, decided to release him and conduct the investigation without detention.

Earlier, Jeon, who had been staying in New York since the 13th of this month, exposed allegations of slush funds involving his family through social media, YouTube, and media interviews, and admitted that he and his acquaintances used drugs. On the morning of the 17th, during a YouTube live broadcast, he appeared to use drugs on air and was subsequently taken to a hospital.

Jeon is scheduled to meet with the families and victims of the May 18 incident in Gwangju as early as the morning of the 31st to offer an apology.