A Different Path from Grandfather... Jeon Woo-won's 'Apology Walk'

No Jaeheon, Son of Roh Tae-woo, Also Apologizes
5·18 Group: "Jeon Woo-won's Testimony Has Consistency"
"Descendants Must Bear Heavy Responsibility"

The actions of Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of the late former President Jeon Du-hwan, differ from those previously exhibited by the Jeon family. Arriving in Gwangju on the morning of the 30th, Woo-won repeatedly bowed his head to the victims and families of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, saying, "I sincerely apologize for coming so late."

Woo-won, who entered the country through Incheon International Airport on the 28th, visited Gwangju immediately after being released from police investigation on drug use charges. After resting, he is scheduled to meet with May 18 organizations.

Former President Jeon, responsible for the forced suppression of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, never apologized to the victims and families until his death in November 2021. Moreover, he consistently avoided responsibility with remarks such as "What does Gwangju have to do with me?" In 2019, news of him enjoying luxurious lunches and playing golf sparked public outrage.

The unrepentant attitude was shared by other family members of the former president. Former President Roh Tae-woo, another person responsible for May 18, did not directly express an apology either. However, before his death, Roh left a will asking for forgiveness if he had made mistakes, which was conveyed through his son, Roh Jae-heon.

Jae-heon has expressed apologies on behalf of his father multiple times and is the only direct family member of the new military regime leaders to have visited the May 18 Democratic Cemetery to pay respects and apologize. However, he has been criticized for lacking sincerity as he ultimately refused to accept revisions to Roh’s memoirs that justified the suppression of May 18, as demanded by May 18 organizations.

May 18 organizations are tentatively viewing Woo-won’s actions positively. Jo Jin-tae, Executive Director of the May 18 Foundation, said in an interview with CBS Radio’s "Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show" on the 30th that Woo-won’s apology "as the grandson apologizing for the sins of his late grandfather made me think deeply. It was heart-wrenching."

He added, "These days, young people sometimes take various actions on YouTube broadcasts to attract attention. (But Woo-won) clearly defined Jeon Du-hwan as a mass murderer, and his testimonies and claims (previously expressed on SNS, etc.) are not accidental but consistent," and said, "In that respect, Woo-won’s testimony is quite meaningful, and I hope his sincerity will be confirmed more directly when he is in Gwangju and that the story will be further developed."

He continued, "Jeon Du-hwan passed away without a single word of apology. How the descendants accept a criminal who has not paid for his crimes is being starkly shown by Woo-won," adding, "The punishment must be served, and although it is regrettable, the descendants inevitably have to bear the heavy burden of that punishment. He is realizing this."

Meanwhile, regarding Woo-won’s drug use charges, the police have decided to continue the investigation without detention. Considering that Woo-won admitted to the charges and voluntarily returned to the country, the police decided on a non-custodial investigation.