Lee Kwang-jae "Gwangju's Democracy on the Brink of Extinction"

Lee Kwangjae Visits Gwangju
"I Will Humbly Listen to Democracy"

Former National Assembly Secretary-General Lee Kwang-jae stated, "The democracy that Gwangju has led and protected is now at a perilous crossroads," adding, "I intend to listen to and feel Gwangju more attentively than ever before."

On the 16th, Lee posted on his Facebook under the title 'Gwangju, 23 Years Ago Today,' saying, "I head to Gwangju with a heavier heart than ever."

Lee said, "This day marks exactly 23 years since Gwangju raised its hand in support of candidate Roh Moo-hyun during the 2002 Saechunyeon Minjoo Party primary," calling it "the moment when democracy shone the brightest."

He continued, "As a considerable amount of time has passed and we approach 2025, carrying the current hazy and worrisome situation to Gwangju, I feel apologetic to the people of Gwangju and at a loss for words to President Roh."

He recalled visiting Gwangju for the first time in his third year of high school, saying, "Visiting Chonnam National University, downtown Gwangju, and Chosun University, the feelings of remorse, despair, and anger I experienced became both a whip and a battery for my life."

He added, "During my university years, Gwangju was a source of guilt and debt for me, and as a politician, it became a responsibility and a mission," emphasizing, "Visiting Gwangju has always been a significant ritual and a pledge for me."

In conclusion, he noted, "In front of the Gwangju Jeonil Building, there is a phrase that reads, 'There is no freedom to incite rebellion against the democracy that Gwangju has protected,'" and said, "Rather than shedding tears over Gwangju's past or lamenting its present, I will humbly listen to the democracy that Gwangju conveys so that its future can dream of the spring of 'Again, That, Republic of Korea.'"