Joo Ho-young Visits Gwangju: "Repeatedly Sorry for Emotional Wounds... Additional Disciplinary Action Is Difficult"

No Water Sprays or Harsh Protests... Repeated Promise to Pass the 5·18 Merit Recipients' Honor Act
Reluctance on Forced Investigation Authority for 5·18 Truth Commission and Additional Sanctions for Lawmakers' Offensive Remarks

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, visited Gwangju to mark the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Joo repeatedly apologized for the disparaging remarks about May 18 made last year by Kim Soon-rye and Lee Jong-myung, members of the Future Korea Party, stating, "We must heal all conflicts and wounds and move forward as a united Republic of Korea."

He also promised to pass the amendment to the May 18 Democratic Merit Service Act but expressed reluctance to grant the May 18 Truth Commission compulsory investigative authority and to expel Representative Lee.

On the 18th, Joo Ho-young and Kim Seong-won, chief deputy floor leader of the United Future Party, along with other party floor leaders, attended the May 18 Democratic Uprising memorial ceremony and then visited the Democratic Cemetery. The atmosphere at the site was calm. Occasionally, some shouted "Do it right" and "Join the arrest of Jeon Du-hwan," but no physical clashes occurred. This was in contrast to last year when Hwang Kyo-ahn, the party leader, faced harsh protests such as water splashing during his visit to Gwangju.

After paying respects at the May 18 Cemetery, Joo met with officials from the May 18 Democratic Uprising Arrested and Injured Association, the May 18 Democratic Uprising Merit Bereaved Families Association, and the May 18 Democratic Uprising Meritorious Persons Association, repeatedly apologizing for the past offensive remarks made by party members. He emphasized, "The characterization of the May 18 Democratic Uprising has already been legally settled. Occasionally, there were offhand remarks that caused emotional wounds, but those were wrong, and we sincerely apologize for anything related to our party. (May 18) has been legislated, recognized as a democratic movement, and designated as a national cemetery. Our party also stands consistently on that principle, so I hope there will be no misunderstandings."

In response, representatives of the May 18 organizations said, "We appreciate the sincere visit and apology for the spirits of the deceased," and added, "We feel the sincerity." However, they expressed regret, saying, "One disappointing point is that Representative Lee Jong-myung has not been expelled and is serving as a member of the sister party of the United Future Party," urging disciplinary action, "Because this issue has not been resolved, it raises some doubts about the sincerity."

They also requested the enactment of the May 18 History Distortion Punishment Act and the granting of compulsory investigative authority to the May 18 Truth Commission.

Regarding the expulsion and disciplinary action against Representative Lee and others, Joo expressed reluctance, saying, "The party is different now, so it is beyond our decision-making authority." In a press interview, he added, "There was disciplinary action by that party, but it did not meet the level of your demands," and "Since it is a different party, there is no way to intervene, and as you know, once disciplinary action is taken, it cannot be repeated multiple times."

On the May 18 History Distortion Punishment Act, he explained, "There are concerns about unconstitutionality and constitutional issues that need to be considered," adding, "It is a matter to be decided after hearing expert opinions and deliberation by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee." Regarding granting compulsory investigative authority to the May 18 Truth Commission, he said, "Allowing search and seizure involves constitutional coordination issues between the police and prosecution, so it is not simple," and emphasized, "If principles are not thoroughly established, it could create a confusing precedent in the legal system. Please do not doubt our commitment to uncovering the truth and watch how the discussions proceed over time."

He further added that he would "actively process" the amendment to the May 18 Merit Service Act.

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