Prime Minister Jeong: "Revealing the Truth of the 5·18 Democratization Movement Is of Utmost Importance"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun (left) is greeting 12 people, including May 18 Democratic Merit Awardees and their families, who were invited to the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, on the 15th.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun stated on the 14th, "Revealing the truth about the May 18 Democratic Uprising is of utmost importance."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung hosted a luncheon at the Prime Minister's residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, inviting 12 individuals including May 18 democracy activists and their families. He said, "Now, on the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, our society must resolve conflicts through solidarity and cooperation, and unite the people and national capabilities to move forward into the future."

This luncheon was held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, to express gratitude for the sacrifices and dedication of those who participated in the movement to uphold the value of democracy, and to reflect on its significance.

Prime Minister Chung expressed regret that various events related to the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising were scaled down this year due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but noted, "Overcoming the crisis together with the people aligns with the spirit of May."

He continued, "The fact that the Truth Investigation Committee has begun full-scale activities this time has opened the way toward national unity," and requested, "I ask those who dedicated themselves to the May 18 Democratic Uprising to actively cooperate with the upcoming activities of the Truth Investigation Committee."

The democracy activists and their families who attended expressed hope that through this truth investigation, the May 18 Democratic Uprising will be firmly established in history without any distortion. Despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19, they hoped that based on the spirit of May, the people would unite to overcome the crisis.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "I was once again reminded that the era we live in did not come by chance," and added, "I will continue to strive to honor the meaning of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and to respect the democracy activists."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.