Gwangju, the Last Line of Defense for Constitutional Order and Democracy
Concerns Over Citizens' Accessibility with 'Temporary International Flights' at Gwangju Airport
Kang Kijeong, mayor of Gwangju, held an informal meeting with reporters in the press room on the 5th floor of the city hall on the morning of the 11th, explaining key municipal issues. Provided by Gwangju City
Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong has reiterated his firm stance on refusing the use of the May 18 Democracy Square for a rally by far-right groups opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Sukyeol, stating, "This is not a matter for compromise."
On the 11th, during a meeting with reporters in the city hall briefing room, Mayor Kang said, "Gwangju is a city protected by people who uphold the Constitution and love democracy. Far-right forces that are anti-constitutional and anti-democratic cannot be tolerated in Gwangju," and reaffirmed his refusal, stating, "The December 3 Martial Law was illegal and unconstitutional, and we will not permit rallies that support rebellion or engage in propaganda and agitation."
He continued, "The May 18 Democracy Square is the final battleground where Gwangju citizens stood up against the December 12 coup forces in May 1980. There is no place in Democracy Square for those who incite rebellion," emphasizing, "Gwangju is the last line of defense for democracy."
He added, "The May 18 Democracy Square must be preserved and managed in accordance with its symbolic and historical significance as a historic site, and according to the ordinance on the succession of the May 18 spirit, there is a basis for refusing groups that spread false information or distort and disparage history."
He also stated, "Far-right propaganda and agitation that deny constitutional order and democratic values cannot be recognized as freedom of expression or freedom of assembly and association," and stressed, "Gwangju will continue to fight to protect constitutional order and democratic values, yesterday and today."
Far-right YouTubers and far-right Protestant group Save Korea are planning to hold an anti-impeachment rally around Geumnam-ro on the 15th.
Regarding this, Mayor Kang said, "The far-right may be hoping to provoke clashes in Gwangju to draw attention," and added, "We are concerned because there is no way to physically prevent rallies around Geumnam-ro."
Regarding the operation of 'temporary international flights' at Gwangju Airport, he said, "Since Muan Airport is used by many Gwangju citizens, we cannot ignore the issue of accessibility for citizens," and avoided giving a direct answer, saying, "I will state my position after the forty-nine-day memorial service for the victims of the recent air disaster this weekend."
Meanwhile, regarding his potential presidential bid and constitutional amendment discussions, Mayor Kang commented, "Now is the time to focus on the impeachment of President Yoon and establishing a democratic government," and added, "Constitutional amendments should be discussed only after a government that upholds constitutional principles is established."
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