Statement Released... Urging Dismissal of Kim Beom-tae, Director of Democratic Cemetery Management
Defamation and False Information Distribution Complaint to Be Filed with Police
The 5·18 Democratic Martyrs' Families Association urged Kim Beom-tae, director of the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery Management Office, to "immediately restore the 'Bereaved Families' Shelter' to its original purpose so that the bereaved families can use it, and to stop any further malicious acts."
On the 3rd, the 5·18 Families Association issued a statement expressing "deep regret over the unfortunate situation where we have no choice but to accuse Director Kim Beom-tae, who seriously damages the honor of the 5·18 bereaved families at a time when the atmosphere of mourning deepens in May, imbued with the spirit of sacrifice of the noble democratic martyrs."
The 5.18 Bereaved Families Association is holding a one-person protest in front of the Gwangju Regional Veterans Affairs Office. [Photo by Bereaved Families Association]
They continued, "Although the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery 'Bereaved Families' Shelter' Democratic Hall was built as a convenience facility for bereaved families since its establishment in June 2014, Director Kim Beom-tae has been using it without any consent from the Families Association."
They added, "Because of this, during various events, there is no changing room, causing mothers to change clothes in the restroom, resulting in ongoing inconvenience for the bereaved families," and "Despite multiple verbal and written requests demanding the restoration of the Bereaved Families' Shelter, which is being unjustly used as the director's office, Director Kim Beom-tae has consistently responded with silence and disregard."
Furthermore, "Regarding the Families Association's request to use the facility for its original purpose, Director Kim Beom-tae, forgetting his status as a public official, instead mobilized some media to spread false information," and "We are appalled by his shameless behavior that incites division among the bereaved families and dismisses the issue as merely selfish acts of some executives."
They urged, "The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs must immediately correct this irrational and unreasonable behavior that ignores the dialogue and legitimate demands of the bereaved families ahead of the 43rd anniversary of the 5·18 Democratic Movement commemoration," and added, "We demand the immediate dismissal of Director Kim Beom-tae, who is committing unjust acts."
Meanwhile, it is known that the Families Association will file a complaint with the police on the 4th against Director Kim Beom-tae for spreading false information and defamation.
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