Lee Won-wook Criticizes Kim Jong-in, Saying "Kneeling Without Action Is Just a Show"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Lee Won-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, for his 'kneeling apology,' calling it "nothing but a show."

On the afternoon of the 19th, Lee wrote on his Facebook, "Chairman Kim Jong-in, is kneeling with your mouth closed really an act of repentance?" and criticized, "Kneeling without action is nothing but a show."

He continued, "Regarding the May 18-related bills submitted to the National Assembly, Chairman Kim's statement that he would cooperate only within the scope where bipartisan agreement can be reached in the Assembly is no different from saying he will not actively engage."

He urged, "Will you enact the law to punish distortion of the May 18 history? Will you reflect the spirit of May 18 in the Constitution? Can you not see the wounds deeply inflicted on the citizens of Gwangju by the May 18 slanders? Chairman Kim, answer these questions."

Lee said, "If you truly apologize, you must stop ignoring the National Assembly, which is approaching boycott levels, and come into the Assembly to work," emphasizing, "Chairman Kim encourages the United Future Party's neglect and boycott of the Assembly but only talks. I remind you that the place where the United Future Party should be now is not the streets but the National Assembly."

Earlier that day, Chairman Kim visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, laid flowers at the memorial tower, knelt for about 15 seconds, and observed a moment of silence.

Chairman Kim said, "Despite the tragic incident in Gwangju, our party failed to take strict disciplinary action against some people's distorted remarks and actions that deny it and damage the spirit of May. As the person responsible for the party's wrong words and actions, I sincerely apologize."

Regarding his past participation as a finance committee member in the National Security Emergency Planning Committee (Gukbowi) established by the new military regime, he said, "Although I have asked for forgiveness several times, it was ultimately unacceptable to the citizens of Gwangju who were deeply hurt and to the people who opposed the military regime. I apologize once again."

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