Joo Ho-young Apologizes for 'Offensive Remarks': "Sorry to the Bereaved Families and Victims for the 5·18 Denigration and Insult"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Joo Ho-young, the newly appointed floor leader of the United Future Party, officially apologized to the bereaved families and victims for the controversial remarks made within the party regarding the May 18 Democratic Movement.

On the 16th, Floor Leader Joo stated in an official position, "Our party has never, even for a moment, belittled or taken lightly the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement."

He added, "The establishment of the May 18 Democratic Cemetery and the enactment of the May 18 Special Act, which designated May 18 as a democratic movement, all began under the civilian government of the late President Kim Young-sam," and said, "The United Future Party is the only party that inherits YS's spirit, and we have continuously strived to ensure that legal and institutional measures for the proper historical evaluation of the May 18 Democratic Movement are not neglected. This resolve will remain unchanged in the future."

Floor Leader Joo said, "Nevertheless, there have been unrefined remarks within some parts of the party that belittled and insulted the May 18 Democratic Movement, and we clearly remember the incidents that aggravated the healing wounds," and apologized, saying, "Regardless of the reasons, once again, I express my deep regret and sincere apologies to the May 18 victims, their bereaved families, and all the people who were hurt."

He drew a clear line by stating, "The unnecessary misunderstandings and controversies caused by the amplification and reproduction of individual deviations as if they represent the entire party's thoughts must never be repeated."

Floor Leader Joo said, "From now on, the May 18 Democratic Movement should no longer be politicized or become a source of social conflict and discord," and added, "The United Future Party will also actively support so that the spirit of May 18 can serve as a catalyst for national unity and harmony."

As part of this effort, he pledged to unite efforts to process the amendment of the 'May 18 Democratic Merit Recipients Act,' which legalizes three organizations related to the May 18 Democratic Movement (the May 18 Democratic Movement Disabled Veterans Association, the May 18 Democratic Movement Meritorious Families Association, and the May 18 Democratic Movement Contributors Association) as statutory organizations and enables budget support based on legal grounds.

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