"Describing Martial Law Forces as 'Crusaders'... An Insult to Democracy"
"There Must Be Historical Judgment Even for Freedom of Assembly and Protest"
On the morning of the 24th, Kim Sanguk, a member of the People Power Party, is paying tribute at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Bukgu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Kim Sangwook, a member of the People Power Party, said on the 24th, "It is an insult to the essence of democracy that a rally opposing impeachment and supporting martial law was held at Geumnam-ro in Gwangju, a site of historical pain from the May 18 Democratization Movement and a symbol of democracy."
After paying respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Kim stated, "I felt I must express my deepest apologies to the spirits of May 18 and the citizens of Gwangju."
He continued, "After seeing the pro-martial law rally in Gwangju on the 15th, I judged it had crossed the line," and added, "Gwangju is a place where citizens fought and bled against illegal martial law and dictatorship, and where massacres were covered up. For such a place to be described as if the martial law forces were crusaders is cruel. It is an insult and a desecration of the essence of democracy."
He also said, "From the perspective of the values conservatives hold dear?democracy, rule of law, and the protection of constitutional order?it is all the more infuriating. While I cannot prevent the freedom of assembly and protest, there must be a historical judgment on such actions."
He went on to emphasize, "It is a true act of betrayal for a conservative party to engage in words or actions that undermine democracy and constitutional order. I want to make it clear that our conservative values never take democracy lightly but cherish it, and I promise to do my utmost to protect it."
On this day, Kim visited the cemetery with about 20 members of the National Firefighters' Union and laid approximately 1,000 chrysanthemums on the graves. In the afternoon, he plans to visit Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, where the anti-impeachment rally was held.
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