Jeong Uncheon: "The Spirit of May 18, Once Exclusive to the Opposition, Must Be Sublimated as a Possession of the Entire Nation"

Assemblyman Yeo, MBC Radio Interview
"Kim Jae-won's Party Membership Suspended for 1 Year, a Severe Disciplinary Action"

Jeong Un-cheon, a member of the People Power Party, said on the 18th regarding the 'Inclusion of the 5·18 Spirit in the Preamble of the Constitution,' "The 5·18 spirit has so far been the exclusive possession of the Democratic Party, but now it must be elevated to the 5·18 spirit of all the people of the Republic of Korea."

On the same day, Jeong appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "Last year, the President mentioned such constitutional spirit and promised that the 5·18 spirit should be included in the Constitution. Our party also discussed this, and there were hardly any objections to it."

Regarding the one-point constitutional amendment proposed by the Democratic Party to include the '5·18 Spirit in the Preamble of the Constitution,' he said, "It should be actively considered," but added, "However, whether it is appropriate for the Constitution to proceed solely based on the 5·18 spirit is an issue that should be reviewed together with the party."

When the host asked, "Do you agree with including the 5·18 spirit in the constitutional preamble but think a one-point amendment solely for that is difficult?" he replied, "Is that easy? In fact, such an issue should not be discussed as a single task."

Jeong said, "Our party has been approaching this sincerely and progressively over the past three years, and has been building trust by taking the lead in legislating the public law organization, which has been a long-standing wish of the 5·18 organizations for 18 years," adding, "I think this is an issue that should be actively discussed and resolved with the 5·18 public law organization."

Jeong Un-cheon, member of the People Power Party. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding Kim, the Supreme Council member who received a one-year suspension of party membership for remarks opposing the inclusion of the '5·18 Spirit in the Preamble of the Constitution,' Jeong said, "This is not about appeasing the (Honam) public sentiment or not; a one-year suspension of party membership is a very severe disciplinary action," and added, "He cannot run in next year's election, right?"

He continued, "Our party has clearly expressed the will to firmly remove any obstacles to carrying on the 5·18 spirit through (Kim’s) disciplinary action, so I believe the Gwangju public sentiment will understand to some extent."

When the host asked, "People from the People Power Party often make remarks related to 5·18 that cause controversies," Jeong replied, "It is very regrettable." He added, "Even if there are controversies in the future, I think we must firmly clarify our party’s position, discipline when necessary, and proceed. If we clearly draw the line and impose sanctions, I believe the public will fully understand and trust our party’s stance."