Controversy Over May 18 Remarks: Former Swimming Gold Medalist Cho Heeyeon Apologizes After Online Dispute

Cho Heeyeon Calls May 18 a "Riot" on Social Media
Apologizes After Being Reported

In 2020, citizens visiting the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History are viewing the special exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising titled "If That May Day Comes Again." Photo by Asia Economy DB

Cho Heeyeon, who won a gold medal in women's swimming at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, apologized after sparking controversy by disparaging the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising as a "riot."

On June 8, Cho Heeyeon wrote on her social media thread, "Something I always say. May 18 was a riot!" She added, "A riot fueled by rebellious spirit! Yet people talk about enshrining the May 18 spirit in the Constitution and all that. It just makes me sigh."

When a netizen pointed out that her remarks were demeaning to the May 18 Uprising, Cho Heeyeon retorted, "Political views can differ, but saying I can't cross the line?who decides where that line is?" She continued, "Isn't it up to each person to decide whether something crosses the line or not? There are countless people who just move on, thinking, 'That's what that person thinks.' It's not going to affect my life in the slightest, so don't pick a fight and just go your own way."

This post spread through various online communities, and a netizen reported her for violating the prohibition of spreading false information as stipulated in the Special Act on the May 18 Democratic Movement (May 18 Democratic Movement Act). The netizen pointed out, "Cho Heeyeon's remarks distort the essence of the democratic movement and contradict historical facts established by law and judicial rulings."

Ultimately, Cho Heeyeon apologized for her comments. She wrote on social media, "It seems many people were hurt by my comment calling May 18 a 'riot.' I sincerely apologize to the innocent citizens who suffered because of the May 18 incident." She added, "I offer my apologies to those who lost their lives while calling for democracy, and I want to make it clear that my criticism was not directed at those innocent and noble souls."

Cho Heeyeon, then a third-year middle school student, won the gold medal in the women's 200m butterfly, bronze medals in the women's 400m medley relay and 200m individual medley at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, and set 18 new Korean records that year. She also received the Korea Swimming Federation's Athlete of the Year award and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's Best Athlete award, earning her the nicknames "Mermaid Princess" and "Swimming Rising Star."

Meanwhile, spreading false information about the May 18 Democratic Movement is a criminal offense and subject to punishment. Article 8 of the May 18 Democratic Movement Act prohibits the dissemination of false information regarding the May 18 Democratic Movement. Violators may face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won.