Woo: "Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Communicated Its Position Against Commemorative Address on the 13th"
Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Wonsik expressed regret toward the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs for causing "political controversy" ahead of the May 18 Democratic Uprising commemoration ceremony, after the ministry opposed and ultimately blocked his commemorative address at the event.
Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, is paying tribute at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon of the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News
On this day, through social media, Woo stated, "It is highly inappropriate for the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to prohibit the National Assembly Speaker's address at the May 18 Democratic Uprising commemoration ceremony on the grounds of 'political controversy,' especially when this should be a national event. As the head of the legislative branch, I express my deep regret," he said.
Woo explained, "During the presidential impeachment process, I delivered several memorial addresses at national commemorative events such as the Jeju 4·3 Incident and the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident, at the request of local governments and related organizations, in consultation with the relevant ministries. These were purely intended to offer comfort and encouragement to the people, and no political controversy arose as a result. The request for a commemorative address at this year's May 18 Democratic Uprising ceremony is not significantly different from those previous cases."
He continued, "On the 13th, responsible officials from the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs visited my office in person and conveyed their position that 'if the National Assembly Speaker delivers an address at the May 18 Democratic Uprising commemoration ceremony, it could lead to political controversy, so it is not permitted.' I cannot understand the ministry's stance that 'there could be political controversy.' The National Assembly Speaker is, by law, an independent member of the National Assembly," he added.
He further emphasized, "How could delivering an address to the people at the May 18 Democratic Uprising commemoration ceremony become a political controversy?" and added, "I hope this incident serves as an opportunity for the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs to seriously reflect on what it truly means to honor the spirit of the Constitution and the defense of democracy."
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