Call for the Establishment of a Platform for Communication with May Organizations
The May 18 Democratic Merit Families Association has urged the establishment of a platform for communication with May organizations, criticizing the unilateral promotion of the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery research project by the cemetery management office.
On the 23rd, the May 18 Democratic Merit Families Association released a statement saying, "Regarding the final report meeting for the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery Basic Plan and Feasibility Study Research Project, we express deep regret over the unilateral actions of Director Kim Beomtae of the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery," and made this announcement.
The association pointed out, "Director Kim appeared on a broadcast to promote the project as if it were his own achievement even before the research project had officially begun," adding, "This new cemetery research project was carried out unilaterally without sufficient consultation with the May organizations, including the May 18 Families Association, who are directly involved."
The organization stated, "Such unilateral actions cause unnecessary conflict among May organizations," and insisted, "The National May 18 Democratic Cemetery is a sacred space honoring those who sacrificed for democracy and human rights, and the opinions of the bereaved families must be given top priority."
They further emphasized, "The issue of expanding the new cemetery is not just about increasing space; the core is to preserve the historical symbolism of the cemetery and the identity of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. We are not unconditionally opposed to the relocation of the second cemetery or the expansion of the first cemetery. We are willing to fully discuss relocation and expansion as long as the historical symbolism of the existing cemetery and the identity of May 18, which is the plaza, are not damaged."
They continued, "Director Kim thoroughly ignored the process of consulting or communicating with the May organizations, who are stakeholders, during the promotion of the research project," and criticized, "Even though the final approval from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is uncertain, he misled the bereaved families and citizens by distributing press releases and mailings as if the project had already been confirmed."
Additionally, they urged, "All matters related to the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery must be handled with care, reflecting the pain and history of the bereaved families," and "The unilateral promotion must be stopped immediately, and a new platform for discussion based on sufficient consultation and communication with all May organizations must be established."
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