Democratic Party: "If Far-Right Insurrectionist Forces Are Not Suppressed, the Spirit of May Gwangju Will Be Trampled Again"

45th Anniversary Commentary on the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising
"We Must Ensure That No One Ever Dreams of Rebellion Again"

The Democratic Party declared on May 18, the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, that it would restore constitutional order and democracy.

Park Kyungmi, spokesperson for the Democratic Party's Central Election Committee, stated in a commentary on this day, "The May 18 Democratic Uprising, along with the April 19 Revolution, is the root that realized democracy and justice in the Republic of Korea, and it remains the beating heart of democracy today."

Park emphasized, "However, unless the far-right insurrectionist forces that tried to destroy constitutional order and democracy last winter are completely suppressed, the spirit of May in Gwangju will once again be disparaged and democracy will be trampled upon."

She continued, "We must ensure that no one ever dreams of rebellion again. We must make sure that there is never a second Chun Doo Hwan or a second Yoon Suk Yeol," adding, "In the June 3 presidential election, we must expel Yoon Suk Yeol, the ringleader of the rebellion, and his followers."

Park stated, "Candidate Lee Jae Myung and the Democratic Party will honor the spirits of Gwangju and the will of the people to restore constitutional order and democracy, and open a true Republic of Korea where all citizens are the rightful owners."

Presidential Candidates Attending the 5.18 Memorial Ceremony

(Gwangju=Yonhap News) Photo by Hong Haein = Lee Jae Myung of the Democratic Party, Lee Jun Seok of the Reform New Party, and Kwon Young Guk of the Democratic Labor Party, presidential candidates, are watching the opening performance at the 45th anniversary memorial ceremony of the May 18 Democratic Uprising held at the National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery in Bukgu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on May 18, 2025. hihong@yna.co.kr (End)