Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform New Party, laid 1,000 chrysanthemums grown in Yeongnam at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju. He emphasized that the 22nd National Assembly, scheduled to open in June, will actively discuss the inclusion of the May 18th spirit in the preamble of the Constitution.
According to political circles, Lee visited the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, on the 15th ahead of the 44th anniversary of the May 18th Democratic Movement. As of 2 p.m. that day, Lee, along with proportional representatives-elect Lee Ju-young and Cheon Ha-ram, was reported to be paying respects at each of the 995 graves in the cemetery.
Regarding why he visited each individual grave, he said, "I wanted to feel the story of each of the 995 martyrs," adding, "It is a progressive step that conservative politicians attend the May 18th memorial ceremony, but I believe another leap forward beyond that is necessary." He continued, "I positively evaluate President Yoon Suk-yeol’s consecutive attendance at the May 18th ceremonies since his inauguration, but politics must focus on realizing the spirit beyond that."
During the process of paying respects at the 995 graves, Lee laid 1,000 chrysanthemums grown in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, at each grave. It was reported that he personally drove a car loaded with chrysanthemums from Gimhae to the May 18th cemetery the night before. Regarding the reason for laying chrysanthemums grown in Yeongnam, he explained, "It is important that people in Yeongnam also deeply understand the spirit of May 18th," adding, "The tragedy of May 18th was not due to the conflict between Yeongnam and Honam regions. It was the result of the thoughts of some misguided soldiers."
Meanwhile, Lee stated that the 22nd National Assembly will actively discuss the inclusion of the May 18th spirit in the preamble of the Constitution. He said, "I understand that there is no opposition among political parties regarding including the May 18th spirit in the Constitution," and added, "Rather than a one-point constitutional amendment for this, a comprehensive constitutional amendment discussion should be held to include the May 18th spirit."
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