"Grandfather is a Mass Murderer" Jeon Du-hwan's Grandson Kneels and Apologizes in Tears in Gwangju

Apologizes with Head Bowed at Public Meeting with Bereaved Families and Victims

"Grandfather, Main Perpetrator of 5·18 Massacre... Sorry on His Behalf"

First Family Visit to Democratic Cemetery to Pay Tribute to May Spirits

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 Uprising."

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 Cultural Center in Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and expressed his apology.

About 100 people attended the event, including Won Soon-seok, chairman of the May 18 Memorial Foundation, Yang Jae-hyuk, chairman of the Bereaved Families Association of the three May 18 public law organizations, Hwang Il-bong, chairman of the Injured Association, and Jeong Seong-guk, chairman of the Meritorious Persons Association.

The reason behind Jeon's decision to repent was his reflection and introspection through church volunteer activities, where he realized "how great a sinner he is."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Jeon said, "My grandfather did not promote the development of democracy but rather caused it to regress," adding, "The citizens who overcame fear and bravely fought against military dictatorship are the heroes and the light."

He continued, "Although I am also a despicable sinner, I sincerely thank the citizens of Gwangju for treating me warmly," and pledged, "I will always live with a repentant and reflective heart."

He also expressed his intention to attend the May 18 Truth Investigation Committee's inquiry and the May 18 commemorative ceremony.

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

Kim Gil-ja, a bereaved family member, Kim Tae-su, a gunshot victim, and Kim Kwan, a victim of assault and detention, who sat at the same table with Jeon, expressed gratitude for his difficult decision to visit Gwangju.

In particular, Kim emphasized, "I hope that this incident will lead to active conscience confessions from perpetrators who acted as martial law troops and that the truth of May 18 will be revealed."

After the approximately 50-minute event, Jeon knelt and bowed deeply in front of the May Mothers, who responded by hugging him or holding his hands, saying, "Thank you for your courage."

Jeon Woo-won is wiping the dust off the grave of the late martyr Kim Kyung-chul with his coat.
[Photo by Min Hyun-ki]

After visiting the memorial sublimation space near the May 18 Memorial Cultural Center, Jeon, along with May organizations, visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, to pay respects.

He visited the graves of the first martyr of the May 18 Democratic Movement, the late Kim Gyeong-cheol, the late Jeon Jae-su, as well as the graves of the missing and unnamed martyrs to pay his respects.

After listening to the circumstances of the deaths of the May spirits from Kim Beom-tae, director of the May 18 Democratic Cemetery Management Office, and falling into deep thought, Jeon took off his outerwear and wiped the tombstones of the victims.

Jeon said, "I am grateful for being given such a precious opportunity to pay respects despite being a sinner like me, and I will strive to show a good image not just as a one-time event."

In the guestbook, he wrote, "Thank you sincerely for illuminating the darkness that is me with light. The true fathers of democracy are all those buried here."

After completing the official morning schedule, Jeon and the May organizations plan to visit the former Jeonnam Provincial Office and Jeonil Building around 3 p.m. to express their apologies to the mothers guarding the provincial office.

Earlier, Jeon was arrested by the 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 to meet with May organizations.