Over 50 Illegal Political Banners Simultaneously Removed
Buk-gu Authorities: "Unauthorized Installation on Public Facilities Is Illegal"
Han Ducksoo's May 18 Memorial Visit Thwarted by Civic Group Opposition
Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who officially announced his presidential candidacy by promoting himself as a "presidential candidate from Honam," visited Gwangju, but banners bearing his name were removed for being illegal, and his planned memorial visit was thwarted by opposition from local citizens.
According to political sources on May 3, Buk-gu authorities simultaneously removed more than 50 illegal political banners supporting Han's presidential bid the previous day, from the Samgeori intersection on Minju-ro in Unjeong-dong to the entrance of the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery.
On the afternoon of the 2nd, former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju, appealed for a memorial visit by saying, "I am also from Honam," after being blocked by protesters from Gwangju Emergency Action and other civic and social organizations. Photo by Yonhap News
Banners with phrases such as "This time, President Han Ducksoo from Honam," "Han Ducksoo, leadership beyond left and right," and "Han Ducksoo is the right person for economic and trade solutions" were displayed under the names of organizations called "One Circle" and "Friends One." However, since they were installed without permission on public facilities outside of designated posting areas, they were deemed illegal under current law. A district office official explained, "We received complaints that banners were hung illegally along the road to the cemetery, so we took immediate action to remove them."
Earlier that day, Han held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center, officially declaring, "I am running for president to save the Republic of Korea from crisis." He then immediately traveled to Gwangju, where he planned to visit the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery. However, at the "Gate of Democracy" at the entrance to the cemetery, he was confronted by civic groups who attempted to block his visit. These groups opposed Han's memorial visit, stating, "Former Prime Minister Han's candidacy is a political move that seeks to exploit the spirit of May 18."
As a result, Han was unable to enter the cemetery and instead bowed his head in front of the gate as a gesture of respect. At the scene, he repeatedly said, "I am also from Honam. We must be united and love one another," but ultimately left the area without overcoming the citizens' protests.
On the afternoon of the 2nd, former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo was prevented from visiting the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju by a civic group from Gwangju. Photo by Min Chanki
In response, the May Spirit Protection Pan-Provincial Citizens' Committee issued a statement criticizing Han, saying, "Former Prime Minister Han participated in the cabinet meeting during the 12·3 Martial Law Declaration and is responsible for ongoing crimes of insurrection. Visiting the victims of May 18 without apology or reflection damages the spirit of May and deceives the citizens of Gwangju."
The committee further pointed out, "During his tenure as acting president, he undermined the rule of law by exercising veto power, and the shadow of insurrection still has not been cleared, continuing to cause anxiety in society. Nevertheless, he continues to shift responsibility for the 'economic crisis' and 'political failure' onto others."
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