Ahead of the 43rd Anniversary... Jeon Gwang-hoon Spews Controversial Remarks on 5·18

Jeon Gwang-hoon Sparks Controversy Again... 5·18 Insensitive Remarks in Gwangju

Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church has once again come under fire for his controversial remarks. This time, he made offensive comments about the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.

On the 27th, at the "National Tour Rally for Freedom Village" held at Gwangju Station, Pastor Jeon claimed that the May 18 Democratization Movement was the work of North Korean spies and denied that there was any helicopter gunfire during the incident.

He also referred to the citizens who participated in the democratization movement as "rioters" and targeted Kim Jae-won, a Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, saying, "Even if you put the spirit of May 18 into the constitution, you won't get votes from Jeolla Province."

The Gwangju Metropolitan City branch of the Democratic Party of Korea urged a swift investigation, accusing Pastor Jeon of distorting and belittling the May 18 Democratization Movement. On the 28th, the city party issued a statement saying, "Jeon Gwang-hoon distorted historical facts by claiming that the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement was the work of North Korean spies and that there was no helicopter gunfire," adding, "He has damaged the honor of the victims, their families, the citizens of Gwangju, and our people."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Gwangju city party stated, "We absolutely cannot tolerate Pastor Jeon damaging the spirit of May 18 again, shortly after he insulted May 18 together with People Power Party Supreme Council Member Kim Jae-won at the church he operates," and urged, "The People Power Party should issue a statement on Jeon's May 18 slander and discipline Supreme Council Member Kim Jae-won for distorting the spirit of Gwangju."

The May 18 organizations hinted at legal action. The May 18 Memorial Foundation and three public organizations (the Bereaved Families Association, the Injured Association, and the Meritorious Persons Association) also issued a statement demanding, "Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon immediately stop distorting the May 18 Democratization Movement and kneel down to apologize." The groups said, "It is shocking that Pastor Jeon mocked the spirit of May 18 at historically significant sites," and warned that they would take clear legal measures against his distorted remarks and dissemination of false information.

Pastor Jeon is a leading figure among far-right forces. During the crisis threatening the survival of the Liberty Korea Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, he served as a rallying point for far-right conservative groups such as the Taegeukgi units. His speech often includes hateful remarks against democratization movements and specific groups like Honam. In the past, he sparked controversy by saying "Jeolla Province is full of communists" and was even indicted for defamation of the president for remarks such as "Moon Jae-in is a spy."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, as Pastor Jeon's blatant political activities continued, the People Power Party has effectively severed ties with him. Kim Ki-hyun, the leader of the People Power Party, drew a clear line by saying, "He has no relation to our party," and "I wish he would shut his mouth immediately," amid ongoing controversies regarding the relationship between Pastor Jeon and the party.

Meanwhile, spreading false information about the May 18 Democratization Movement is a criminal act punishable by law. According to Article 8 of the Special Act on the May 18 Democratization Movement (May 18 Democratization Movement Act), the dissemination of false information about the May 18 Democratization Movement is prohibited in newspapers, magazines, broadcasts, exhibitions, as well as in debates, meetings, press conferences, rallies, and street speeches. Violators face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won.