Democratic Party Criticizes Han Ducksoo for "Gwangju Incident" Remark: "How Could a Lifelong Government Official Not Know?"

Independent presidential candidate Han Ducksoo has come under strong condemnation from the Democratic Party of Korea for referring to the "5·18 Democratization Movement" as the "Gwangju Incident." Cho Seungrae, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election committee, criticized Han, saying, "It is shocking that someone who has spent his entire life working in government does not know this."

On May 4 at the National Assembly, Chief Spokesperson Cho issued a statement, saying, "Candidate Han Ducksoo disparaged the 5·18 Democratization Movement by calling it the 'Gwangju Incident,'" and added, "Just one day after attempting to pay respects at the National May 18th Cemetery, he has once again insulted the citizens of Gwangju and the spirits of May."

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo visited the National Assembly Memorial Hall in Yeouido, Seoul on the 3rd and shook hands with Jeong Daecheol, Chairman of the Memorial Association. Photo by Yonhap News.

Previously, on May 2, Han Ducksoo's attempt to visit the May 18th National Cemetery was thwarted by opposition from May 18th commemorative organizations and Gwangju citizens. The day before, during a meeting with reporters, Han stated, "When I think of the shock and pain of the '5·18 Gwangju Incident,' my heart aches as well."

Chief Spokesperson Cho pointed out, "'Gwangju Incident' is a term used by the military coup forces to label the 5·18 Democratization Movement as a 'riot' or 'disturbance.' I ask Candidate Han Ducksoo: Do you consider the 5·18 Democratization Movement to be a riot or a disturbance?" He continued, "It was in 1997 that the government designated the 5·18 Democratization Movement as a national memorial day. It is shocking that someone who has spent his entire life working in government does not know this."

He further questioned, "For what reason would someone who still disparages the 5·18 Democratization Movement as the 'Gwangju Incident' attempt to pay respects at the National May 18th Cemetery? Was Candidate Han Ducksoo's attempt to visit the cemetery and his talk of unity actually a call to forgive the forces of insurrection?"