Kang Gijung: "Han Ducksoo Still Calls May 18 the 'Incident'"

Not the "Gwangju Incident," but the May 18 Democratization Movement, as Stated by Law
Ignorance of 45 Years of Pain; Even More Outrage Because You Are from Honam

On May 4, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung criticized independent presidential candidate Han Ducksoo, saying, "I feel deeply ashamed that you keep referring to the May 18 Democratization Movement as the 'Gwangju Incident.'"

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon of the 2nd, is being blocked by members of Gwangju Emergency Action and other civic and social organizations. Photo by Yonhap News

On his Facebook page that day, Mayor Kang pointed out, "It is not the 'Gwangju Incident,' but the May 18 Democratization Movement. That is what the law states." He added, "It is even more shameful and infuriating because you are a 'Honam person' who does not even understand the very first layer of the 45 years of memories and pain that have accumulated."

South Jeolla Province Governor Kim Youngrok also wrote on his Facebook page the previous day, "The people of Honam and the nation still bear deep scars and trauma from the armed soldiers during May 18." He criticized Han, saying, "Despite this, are you staging a political show that mocks Honam at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery?"

He added, "To only visit and highlight Honam when it suits your needs?if you had ever truly reflected on the Honam spirit and the spirit of May 18, the least you could do would be to offer reflection and an apology, and pay your respects at the cemetery."

On May 2, after announcing his presidential candidacy, Han Ducksoo visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Gwangju as his first official schedule. However, he was met with strong protests from civic groups at the site and had to leave after just 22 minutes.