Jeon Han-gil Criticizes Ban on Square Use as "Dictatorship"
"Ban is Natural to Prevent Unfortunate Incidents with Gwangju Citizens"
Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung stated that he would prohibit certain assembly groups from using the square, and Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, evaluated this as a "very natural measure." He explained that as the local government head, he has no choice but to deny permission because it is uncertain what might happen if an anti-impeachment rally is held at the 5·18 Democracy Square. On the 10th, Park appeared on SBS Radio to share his opinions on recent political issues.
Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung stated that he would prohibit some assembly groups from using the square, and Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, evaluated this as a "very natural measure." He explained that since it is uncertain what might happen if an anti-impeachment rally is held at the May 18 Democratic Square, the local government head has no choice but to deny permission. Photo by Kim Hyun-min
Park first addressed the growing scale of rallies, such as the anti-impeachment rally at Dongdaegu Station in Daegu on the 8th, which attracted about 52,000 people, saying, "Currently, the country is divided into two major camps," and added, "Ahead of the early presidential election, Yoon Seok-yeol and some conservatives, especially the People Power Party, absolutely cannot bear to see Lee Jae-myung become president." He interpreted the recent political protests as a consolidation of the two camps ahead of the early presidential election. Park continued, "Ultimately, the presidential election will be a contest between pro-insurrection forces and anti-insurrection forces," and said, "The judgment on the insurrection is underway at the Constitutional Court, so once imprisoned, that's the end. Therefore, I believe Yoon Seok-yeol's agitation will end soon."
The host then asked for Park's opinion on Korean history instructor Jeon Han-gil's criticism of the February 15th ban on rallies at the Gwangju 5·18 Democracy Square, calling it "dictatorship." Park responded, "It is natural not to allow pro-insurrection rallies at the sacred 5·18 site because permitting them could lead to unfortunate incidents with Gwangju citizens." He added, "I don't know if it's Jeon Han-gil or Kim Han-gil, but where do they think the 5·18 Square is, coming there to hold rallies?"
On the 8th, at an anti-impeachment rally for President Yoon held at Dongdaegu Station in Daegu, Jeon Han-gil met with reporters and criticized, saying, "It is undemocratic." Jeon stated, "Mayor Kang should invite citizens to come and talk about democratization as much as they want," and argued, "Rather, telling them not to come is an act of dictatorship that betrays the will of the citizens of Gwangju." Yonhap News
Earlier, on the 6th, Mayor Kang posted on his social media, stating, "Far-right YouTuber Ahn Jeong-kwon inquired about holding a pro-insurrection, pro-insurrection incitement rally at the 5·18 Democracy Square," and declared, "There is no space for the far-right at the 5·18 Democracy Square." Kang specifically described Ahn as "a pro-insurrection sympathizer and anti-democrat who insulted the families of the Sewol ferry disaster victims, cursed former President Moon Jae-in, and slandered Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung," and said, "Nazis cannot hold rallies at Holocaust memorial sites. They will be beaten to death by democratic citizens."
In response, Jeon Han-gil criticized the anti-impeachment rally for President Yoon held at Dongdaegu Station in Daegu on the 8th, telling reporters, "It is undemocratic." Jeon said, "Mayor Kang should allow citizens to come and talk about democratization as much as they want," and argued, "Telling them not to come is an act of dictatorship that betrays the will of Gwangju citizens." Jeon plans to speak at the anti-impeachment rally for President Yoon scheduled to be held on the 15th around Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, Gwangju.
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