Progressive and Conservative Group Members Clash in Protest... Various Disturbances
Civilians Disappointed After Attending Commemoration Ceremony
Jeon Du-hwan's Grandson Jeon Woo-won, First Family Member to Visit May 18 Gravesite
On the morning of the 18th, around 9 a.m., in front of the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery where the 5·18 Democratization Movement memorial ceremony was held. Although it was one hour before the ceremony started (10 a.m.), rallies were taking place here and there.
At the three-way intersection in front of the main gate, quite far from the 'Gate of Democracy,' the entrance to the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, vehicles trying to enter, police preparing for any possible situation, conservative groups, and progressive groups were all tangled together, creating a literal chaos.
On the 18th, during the 5·18 Democratic Movement Commemoration Ceremony held in front of the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, solo protesters raised their voices under tighter security than in previous years. [Photo by Min Hyun-gi]
Security was tighter than in previous years, but about 200 members from various progressive and conservative groups such as the 'May Lovers Association,' 'Turn Light,' and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, who had pre-registered their rallies, faced off by raising their voices at a distance of about 10 meters from each other.
When conservative groups mentioned specific politicians or referred to 5·18, claiming "the list of merit recipients should be disclosed and the assets of fake merit recipients confiscated," progressive groups raised their voices, saying, "Today is a day to commemorate 5·18 and console the spirits of those who sacrificed."
Near the Gate of Democracy, small disputes continued between broadcasters gathered for political personal broadcasts and solo protesters. As the commotion persisted, the police completely restricted access within about 30 meters of the Gate of Democracy to ensure smooth event proceedings.
During this process, even citizens who came to watch the memorial ceremony from beyond the Gate of Democracy, peeking over shoulders, were controlled, leading to voices criticizing the measures as excessive.
Kang Soon-hye (79) came to the Democratic Cemetery early in the morning with her husband to watch the memorial ceremony but ultimately turned back with regret. Born and raised in Gwangju, Kang, who attended the 5·18 memorial ceremony for the first time, said, "No matter how much the president is coming, I didn’t expect the security to be this tight," adding, "When I actually came, there was less to see than on TV, so I feel disappointed."
Choi Kyu-hyun (70), who lost friends and family due to 5·18, wore a badge with '5·18' written on his right chest and came to the memorial ceremony, but he shared the same regret.
Choi said, "I came to pay my respects in front of the Gate of Democracy as usual, to observe a moment of silence in line with the ceremony and to sing the March for the Beloved," adding, "But with these restrictions, I can’t even get near the Gate of Democracy. Isn’t 5·18 about the spirit of unity with the citizens?" expressing his disappointment.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of the late Jeon Du-hwan, attracted attention by visiting the National Democratic Martyrs’ Cemetery (Old Cemetery) at the time the memorial ceremony was held. Dressed in a black suit and black shoes, Jeon visited the memorial stones of martyr Lee Han-yeol, farmer Baek Nam-gi, and J?rgen Hinzpeter. This was the first time among Jeon Du-hwan’s family.
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