Kwon Youngguk: "Progressivism Is About Engraving the Spirit of May"

Press Conference After Visiting the Gwangju May 18 Cemetery
"Dismantling Vested-Interest Politics and Settling the Legacy of the Rebellion"

Kwon Youngguk, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Bukgu, Gwangju on the 6th and stated, "We must dismantle the outdated vested-interest politics, which are the root cause of the continued existence of forces behind the rebellion."

On the morning of the 6th, Kwon Youngguk, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Labor Party, is paying respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Bukgu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

Immediately after paying respects, Kwon held a press conference and said, "True political change and settling the legacy of the rebellion begin with uniting South Korea, which is currently divided by extreme factional politics." He added, "I will revive the voices of the public square and democracy."

He emphasized, "Progressivism is about changing the direction of society," and stated, "It is the duty of progressives to engrave the spirit of May in Gwangju and the spirit of Honam, represented by the Donghak Peasant Revolution, deep within society." He continued, "In this presidential election, I will protect the place of progressivism so that the existence and wishes of ordinary citizens do not disappear."

Before the press conference, Kwon visited the graves of victims of the May 18 Democratic Movement, including martyr Yoon Sangwon and martyr Kim Kyungcheol, where he laid flowers, burned incense, and observed a moment of silence.