Gwangju Mayor's BBS Radio Interview
"Policy Withdrawal Just Because the Regime Changed? Not Healthy"
Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung stated on the 29th, regarding the recent demand by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to completely withdraw Gwangju City's 'Jeong Yul-seong Historical Park Development Project,' that "Jeong Yul-seong was not first commemorated by Gwangju, but by the government."
In interviews on BBS Radio's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal' and the YouTube channel 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory,' Mayor Kang claimed that the commemorative project for Mr. Jeong Yul-seong was initiated by the central government, not Gwangju City, and that it began during the conservative Roh Tae-woo administration.
Mayor Kang explained, "Ahead of the 1988 Seoul Olympics during the Roh Tae-woo administration, the Peace Games Promotion Committee invited Mrs. Jeong Sol-seong, the wife of Mr. Jeong Yul-seong," adding, "In 1996, under President Kim Young-sam, a Jeong Yul-seong works exhibition was held, and the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism personally presented a plaque of appreciation to Mrs. Jeong."
He continued, "President Park Geun-hye also attended the 2015 Chinese Victory Day ceremony and cheered during a parade where Jeong Yul-seong's music was performed," expressing, "Everyone knows both the merits and faults of Jeong Yul-seong, and the central government has commemorated him and made many efforts, so I cannot understand blaming the local government for following suit."
Mayor Kang acknowledged, "Jeong Yul-seong is a figure with both merits and faults. Both conservative governments and Gwangju City have recognized this and have carried out commemorative projects, concerts, and children's song festivals, so if necessary, further debate can be held," admitting that there may be controversy regarding his membership in the Communist Party.
On the afternoon of the 28th, when the controversy over the Jeong Yul-seong Memorial Project continued, a citizen was passing by Jeong Yul-seong-ro, established in Nam-gu, Gwangju. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Nevertheless, he said, "How can policies be reset and reconsidered from scratch every time the president or mayor changes?" adding, "If healthy discussions are needed, I am willing to have them, but I cannot agree with the approach of suppressing things like this."
Regarding the future direction of the Jeong Yul-seong Historical Park Development Project, he responded, "I am not the one who can decide whether to withdraw it," noting, "The decision was already made six years ago, and it is an accumulation created through the tenure of five Gwangju mayors."
Mayor Kang emphasized, "Since past mayors made this through many discussions and verification processes, if the citizens of Gwangju decide in the future to close the Jeong Yul-seong Park, then we will do so," adding, "The government keeps telling us to close the park, but I believe policies should not be changed recklessly just because the administration or mayor changes."
Addressing Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Park Min-sik, who declared he would "stake his position to block the Jeong Yul-seong Park project," Mayor Kang criticized, "What position would you stake? Why would you stake your position over that?" and said, "Now that the Veterans Affairs Office has become the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, shouldn't it focus on improving the rights and interests of veterans' families?"
Mayor Kang stated, "If there are legal issues or illegalities, then respond accordingly," and added, "Even now, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs should trust the citizens of Gwangju and the mayor of Gwangju and let the city handle it well; it is appropriate to stop raising issues at this level."
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