Chair of Truth and Reconciliation Commission on 5·18 Democratization Movement Defamation Reported to National Assembly for Contempt of Parliament [2024 National Audit]

Chairman Shin Jeong-hoon: "The Purpose of the May 18 Democratic Movement Special Act is Being Undermined"

Kim Kwang-dong, chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, was reported for contempt of the National Assembly after making remarks suggesting that the possibility of North Korea’s involvement in the May 18 Democratic Uprising could not be ruled out.

Shin Jeong-hoon, Chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

The National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee held a plenary session on the afternoon of the 25th and resolved to file charges of contempt of the National Assembly against Chairman Kim. Shin Jeong-hoon, chair of the committee, criticized, “Chairman Kim’s erroneous historical perception and attitude disregard the purpose of the Special Act on the May 18 Democratic Uprising and constitute insulting behavior that undermines the authority of the National Assembly.”

That morning, Chairman Kim made the controversial statement, “There is no confirmation that North Korea was involved in the May 18 Democratic Uprising. It is difficult to understand how this distorts the May 18 Democratic Uprising.” In response, Chair Shin scolded him, saying, “This is a historically confirmed fact. Why can’t you say that there was no North Korean involvement?” and added, “Are you playing word games with the National Assembly, the media, and the public?”

Democratic Party lawmakers also strongly opposed the remarks. Yoon Geon-young, a Democratic Party member and secretary of the Public Administration and Security Committee, criticized, “On the 10th, Chairman Kim said that while there was no involvement of the North Korean military, there was involvement by North Korea,” and said, “Do you take the National Assembly lightly? You must apologize.” Yang Bu-nam, another Democratic Party lawmaker, pointed out, “Chairman Kim is lying,” and added, “He is giving ambiguous answers.”

Chairman Kim maintained his position, stating, “North Korea is totalitarian and has made various efforts to intervene in all incidents in the Republic of Korea. Whether it was involved in the May 18 Democratic Uprising is unknown. How could I confirm that? It is a matter that will be historically revealed as the North Korean regime changes.”