Tibet Human Rights Issue from 70 Years Ago?…Lawmakers Visiting China Apologize to Jogye Order's Criticism

Seven members of the Democratic Party of Korea who visited China sent an apology message after the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism protested against their treatment of the Tibet human rights issue as a 'past matter.'

Seven lawmakers, including Do Jong-hwan and Min Byung-duk, stated in writing, "We apologize to the Buddhists who are heartbroken over the Tibet issue," adding, "We believe it was inappropriate for public officials to make remarks that could sound as if there are no human rights issues in Tibet now. We express our sincere regret."

Democratic Party members Do Jong-hwan (center), Park Jung (right), and Shin Hyun-young, who visited China and Tibet on a 3-night, 4-day trip, are returning through Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 on the afternoon of the 18th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Earlier, from the 15th to the 18th, seven Democratic Party lawmakers visited Beijing and Tibet in China. On the 19th, Do Jong-hwan appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and, when asked about criticism from some quarters regarding participation in an event that ignored human rights oppression in China, replied, "That was something that happened in 1951 and 1959."

On the same day, Min Byung-duk, appearing on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' also said, "There are stories that 120,000 people died during the armed uprising in Tibet in 1959, but does highlighting events from 70 years ago in diplomacy serve the national interest?"

Subsequently, on the 21st, the Jogye Order's Central Council issued a statement in the names of the chairperson, standing committee chairpersons, and special committee chairpersons, commenting, "Concerns about Tibet's human rights issues are common sense, yet we express surprise and regret at remarks that dismiss them as unknown or as matters of the past."

The Jogye Order stated, "China annexed Tibet on May 23, 1951, and subsequently suppressed a large-scale uprising demanding Tibetan independence in 1959, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties, which is a historical fact," adding, "When heard without context, the lawmakers' remarks could sound as if there are no human rights issues in Tibet now," expressing concern.

They further urged, "A sincere apology should be made to all the spirits who self-immolated in resistance to oppression and to the Tibetans who are still suffering under oppression."

While conveying their apology, the group of lawmakers visiting China explained, "It was realistically difficult to raise the Tibet human rights issue while discussing expanding exchanges with China," and added, "We would appreciate your understanding that lawmakers must prioritize the national interest in their work."