Gwangju Civic Groups: "Han's Visit to May 18 Cemetery Is an Insult to May's History"

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is declaring his candidacy for the 21st presidential election at the National Assembly Communication Office on May 2, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Civil society organizations in Gwangju have strongly condemned former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo's visit to the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, calling it an act that insults the history of May, the victims, and the citizens of Gwangju.

The Pan-Provincial Committee for the Protection of the May Spirit issued a statement on May 2, declaring, "We strongly oppose former Prime Minister Han's visit to the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery."

The organization criticized, "Former Prime Minister Han participated in the Cabinet meeting on the day of the 12·3 Martial Law Declaration and remains responsible for crimes of insurrection that have yet to be resolved. For someone responsible for illegal martial law to visit the victims of May 18 without apology or remorse is itself a violation of the May Spirit and an act of deception against the citizens of Gwangju."

The statement continued, "As acting president, former Prime Minister Han undermined the rule of law by exercising veto powers, among other actions. The shadow of insurrection still lingers, leaving anxiety in our society. Nevertheless, he continues to shift the blame for issues such as the 'economic and security crisis' and the 'collapse of cooperative governance due to extreme politics' onto others."

The organization further emphasized, "The best thing former Prime Minister Han can do for the country is not to resign or run for office. He must admit that he was an accomplice to insurrection and clearly disclose to the public what happened during the night of martial law. Rather than visiting Mangwoldong as a presidential candidate, former Prime Minister Han must sincerely apologize as a perpetrator who has once again inflicted pain on the citizens of Gwangju and the people of South Korea after 45 years, and he must take responsibility for his actions."

Meanwhile, on the morning of May 2, former Prime Minister Han held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office to announce his presidential bid, stating, "On the first day of my term, I will establish a 'Presidential Constitutional Amendment Support Organization' and devote all efforts to successfully amending the constitution."

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