Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Criticizes Yoon's Detention Cancellation, Sends 'Political Neutrality' Official Letter to 5·18 Organizations

Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs:
"Guidelines Provided for Public Legal Entities"

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs requested the May 18 organizations, which issued a statement criticizing President Yoon Seok-yeol's cancellation of detention, to maintain 'political neutrality.'

According to the three May 18 organizations, including the May 18 Democratic Martyrs' Families Association, on the 8th, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs sent an official letter titled 'Re-notification of Compliance with the Obligation of Political Neutrality for May 18 Democratic Organizations.' The letter stated that the criticism of President Yoon's cancellation of detention issued by the three May 18 organizations might violate the obligation of political neutrality as public legal entities.

It is also known that before sending the official letter, the Ministry repeatedly called representatives of the three May 18 organizations, demanding "Do not engage in political activities" and "Send the original text of the statement."

Earlier, the three May 18 organizations and the May 18 Memorial Foundation jointly issued a statement saying, "The decision to cancel the detention of the main culprit of the rebellion is a direct challenge to justice," and pointed out that it is "an act denying judicial justice and seriously damaging democracy."

Yang Jae-hyeok, president of the May 18 Democratic Martyrs' Families Association, said, "Even before the statement was issued, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs contacted us to tell us not to engage in political activities," and added, "Even after the statement was released, they demanded the original text late into the night, clearly intending to politically pressure the organization."

Kang Ki-jung, mayor of Gwangju, also criticized on his Facebook account that day, saying, "It is deeply regrettable that the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs pressured the May 18 organizations criticizing Yoon Seok-yeol's cancellation of detention by calling them late at night, citing the obligation of political neutrality. Such anachronism and misjudgment are very disappointing." He further questioned, "Are they saying not to call the main culprit of the rebellion the main culprit? Are they trying to turn us into Hong Gil-dong of the Joseon Dynasty, who could not call his own family by their proper names?"

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs explained that the official letter was sent as a guideline for the activities of public legal entities. A ministry official said, "The letter was sent to prevent activities that could violate the obligation of political neutrality as a public legal entity," and explained, "We responded the same way to other public legal entities besides the May 18 organizations and requested the original text to verify the facts."