"Defaming the May 18 Spirit and Inciting Conflict... A Violation of Christian Values"
Kang Gijeong Reaffirms Ban: "Not Open to Compromise"
Citizens attending the 6th Gwangju Citizens' General Rally held on December 14 last year at the special stage in Geumnamro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, are cheering while holding placards. Photo by Song Bohyun
This weekend in Gwangju, large-scale rallies both supporting and opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Sukyeol are scheduled, and the local Christian community in Gwangju has strongly protested, stating, "We can never tolerate far-right rallies that defame the May 18 Gwangju Spirit and undermine the judicial system."
The Gwangju Christian Council issued a statement on the 11th, declaring, "Far-right forces that contaminate Christian faith must immediately withdraw their rallies in Gwangju."
The group continued, "The rally scheduled to be held in Gwangju on the 15th will be attended by so-called 'star lecturer' and far-right YouTuber Jeon Hangil, as well as former Prime Minister Hwang Kyoan, who has claimed delusions of election fraud," adding, "Regardless of progressive or conservative views, far-right rallies that disregard the judiciary?the final bastion of democracy, including the Constitutional Court and the courts?and incite extreme social conflict are by no means in line with Christian values."
They further emphasized, "Christians in Gwangju will leave the judgment of the ringleader of insurrection, Yoon Sukyeol, to the Constitutional Court and the courts, and will move forward praying for the restoration of national dignity, stabilization of people's livelihoods, and peace for the citizens."
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 major municipal issues. Provided by Gwangju City
In this regard, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong, meeting with reporters in the city hall briefing room that morning, reaffirmed his position of not permitting such rallies, saying, "The December 3 Martial Law was illegal and unconstitutional, and we will not allow rallies that support or promote insurrection."
Mayor Kang stated, "May 18 Democracy Square is the last site of resistance where Gwangju citizens fought against the forces of the December 12 coup in May 1980. There is no place in Democracy Square for those who incite insurrection," emphasizing, "Gwangju is the last line of defense for democracy."
He continued, "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 to deny permission to groups that spread false facts, defame, or distort history."
He also said, "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," stressing, "Gwangju will continue to fight to protect constitutional order and democratic values, yesterday, today, and always."
On the afternoon of the 8th, an anti-impeachment rally for Yoon Seokyeol was held on Geumnamro Street near Jeonil Building 245 in Gwangju. At the event, conservative YouTuber Ahn Jungkwon said, "Next Saturday (the 15th), lecturer Jeon Hangil will come, and we held this rally in advance to raise the atmosphere." Photo by Song Bohyun
Meanwhile, the conservative Protestant group Save Korea has submitted a rally notification to the police, announcing that they will hold a 'rally against impeachment' for President Yoon on June 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Geumnam-ro area of Dong-gu, Gwangju. According to the organizers, about 1,000 people are expected to attend the rally.
On the same day, from 4 p.m., Gwangju Emergency Action, which will hold a pro-impeachment rally at May 18 Democracy Square, has announced a calm response.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
