Lee Junseok Visits Gwangju: "I Will Not Participate in Politically Engineered Big Tent"

Visiting the May 18 Cemetery to Lay Flowers and Offer Handwritten Letters
"Democracy Beyond Progressives and Conservatives"
Name of Former Chairman Jeong Dongnyeon Also Mentioned

Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, paid tribute at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju on the 4th, stating, "I will uphold the spirit of May in Gwangju to build a democratic nation and set politics on the right path."

On the morning of the 4th, Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, is speaking after paying respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

After finishing his tribute on the morning of the same day, Lee met with reporters and said, "Since its founding, the Reform New Party has sincerely tried to honor the spirit of Gwangju," adding, "This year, our party members offered handwritten letters to the spirits of the deceased."

Lee also stated, "In particular, I sent a letter to the late Jeong Dongnyeon, former chairman of the May 18 Memorial Foundation," and continued, "He taught us that Korean democracy stands upright only when the spirit of May is upheld, regardless of whether one is conservative or progressive. I will practice politics correctly, just as I have learned."

Last year, Lee also visited the cemetery with fellow party lawmakers and laid chrysanthemums at each grave. On this day, the Reform New Party added in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the election campaign headquarters, "Lee Junseok will share in the pain and wounds of Gwangju."

Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, paid tribute at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju on the 4th. The photo shows a letter that Lee wrote to the late Jeong Dongnyeon, former chairman of the May 18 Memorial Foundation. Photo by Yonhap News

Prior to his tribute, Lee commented on the situation where former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo attempted to pay respects at the cemetery on the 2nd but was blocked due to opposition from civic groups, saying, "I do not wish to doubt former Prime Minister Han's sincerity," but added, "Consistent effort is needed to open the hearts of citizens in Honam."

Regarding the so-called 'anti-Lee Jaemyung big tent' initiative being discussed in some conservative opposition circles, Lee drew a clear line. He stated, "A politically engineered big tent is meaningless," and added, "I will follow the political philosophy of former President Roh Moo-hyun and stay true to the essence of politics. I will not participate in political engineering discussions."