Gwangju and Jeonnam Civil Groups Call for Change and Innovation at May 18 Memorial Foundation

Civil society organizations in Gwangju and Jeonnam have called for change and innovation at the May 18 Memorial Foundation as a new chairperson takes office.

The May Spirit Protection Pan-Provincial Citizens’ Countermeasure Committee issued a statement on the 14th, saying, "We urge Yoon Mokhyeon, the newly appointed chairperson, to demonstrate innovative leadership for May, which defended democracy in the face of the 12·3 Martial Law," expressing this sentiment.

The committee continued, "In the past, during the chairperson nomination process at the foundation, there were rumors of prearranged candidates and speculation that the outcome was already decided," and added, "There was also controversy over the privatization of the foundation by appointing individuals favorable to the foundation’s interests."

They further stated, "There were suspicions regarding the former chairperson’s activities as a standing election committee chairperson for a specific political party, which was criticized by civil society, as well as suspicions of favoritism toward incumbent board members in the selection of the new director for the May 18 Education Center," and demanded, "The foundation, which has not yet provided any official response, must address the various suspicions and issues that have been raised."

The organization pointed out, "The foundation has not provided an official response to concerns and issues raised by civil society, including the former chairperson’s activities as a standing election committee chairperson for a specific political party, the increase in business operation expenses, and the use of basic property management profits," and criticized, "It is shameful that the foundation, which bears the historical responsibility of carrying on the May Spirit, has not been able to move beyond operational controversies."

Additionally, they stated, "A comprehensive plan must be proposed to restore the true spirit of the May community," and added, "Measures for innovation that will enable communication and cooperation within the local community should also be prepared."