5·18 Foundation: "Daegu Maeil Newspaper Denigrating 5·18 Requires Vatican-Level Action"

Photo published in Daegu Daily Newspaper's cartoon on the 19th (right) and a citizen being brutally beaten by martial law troops during the May 18 incident (left). Photo by SNS

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] On the 24th, the May 18 Memorial Foundation demanded strong measures against Daegu Maeil Shinmun, which disparaged and mocked the May 18 Democratization Movement, from Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, the Apostolic Nuncio to Korea, and the board of directors of the Korea Press Ethics Commission.

The foundation sent an official letter to the Apostolic Nunciature in Korea stating, "This is not the first time Daegu Maeil Shinmun has inflicted deeper wounds on the May 18 incident," and "Despite much criticism, Daegu Maeil Shinmun continues to offer excuses without sincere apology or reflection."

It added, "We urge strong measures at the level of the Apostolic Nunciature in Korea and the Vatican against Father Lee Sang-taek, president of Maeil Shinmun."

It also demanded the removal of Lee Sang-taek from his position as chairman of the Korea Press Ethics Commission.

Meanwhile, Maeil Shinmun, operated by the Catholic Archdiocese of Daegu, deleted a controversial cartoon published on the 18th in the "Maeil Heepyeong" section, which depicted armed paratroopers violently attacking citizens during 1980.

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