Jeon Woo-won heading to Gwangju: "Grandfather Jeon Du-hwan, a major culprit of May 18"

Meeting with 5·18 Bereaved Families and Victims to Express Apology

"I am also a vile sinner... I will live in repentance"

Bowing Head, Saying "I am Truly Sorry" and Becoming Tearful

Jeon Woo-won (27), the grandson of the late former President Jeon Du-hwan, confessed, "My grandfather Jeon Du-hwan is a sinner who committed a great crime in front of the May 18 Democratic Movement."

On the morning of the 31st, Jeon met with the bereaved families and victims of the May 18 incident at the reception hall of the May 18 Memorial Culture Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and expressed his apology.

Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of the late former President Jeon Du-hwan, expressed his apology on the morning of the 31st at the 5·18 Memorial and Culture Center Reception Hall in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, meeting with the bereaved families and victims of the 5·18 incident.

Present at the event were Won Soon-seok, chairman of the May 18 Memorial Foundation; Yang Jae-hyuk, chairman of the bereaved families' association representing the three May organizations; Hwang Il-bong, chairman of the injured victims' association; and Choi Byung-jin, secretary general of the contributors' association, among others.

The reason behind Jeon's decision to repent is said to be his reflection and self-examination through church volunteer activities, which made him realize "how great a sinner he is."

Jeon frequently bowed his head during the event, repeatedly saying, "I am truly sorry," and showed signs of becoming emotional while continuing his remarks.

He criticized, "My grandfather failed to promote the development of democracy and instead caused regression."

He then praised, "The citizens who overcame fear and bravely fought against military dictatorship are the heroes and the light."

Jeon became emotional again, saying, "Although I am also a despicable sinner, I sincerely thank the citizens of Gwangju for treating me warmly." He added, "I will always live with a repentant and reflective heart."

When asked by reporters about his family's stance on his apology remarks, Jeon replied, "My mother supported me, but other family members have not contacted me." He added, "Although they may be fearful, I hope they put aside selfishness and sincerely apologize to the victims."

Kim Gil-ja, a bereaved family member sitting at the same table as Jeon, Kim Tae-su, a gunshot victim, and Kim Kwan, a victim of assault and detention, responded, "We are grateful that Jeon made this difficult decision."

There were also remarks expressing hope that Jeon's conscience declaration would lead to active confessions and the full truth of the May 18 incident being uncovered.

After about 50 minutes of meeting, Jeon visited the Memorial Sublimation Space near the May 18 Memorial Culture Center. There, he looked around nameplates inscribed with the names of 4,296 victims, including the deceased, missing persons, and injured who received compensation for the May 18 incident.

Jeon's next schedule was to visit and pay respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, together with the May organizations.

Earlier, Jeon was arrested by police at Incheon Airport on drug use charges after returning from New York on the 28th but was released after 38 hours. Immediately after his release, he visited Gwangju, rested at a hotel and nearby areas for a day, and prepared for meetings with the May organizations.