May Organizations "No Tae-woo's Son Jaeheon, Stop the Showy Display"

On April 21, 2021, Jaeheon, the son of former President Roh Tae-woo, is paying respects at the National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery. Photo by National 5.18 Democratic Cemetery Management Office

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] The May 18 organizations criticized Jaeheon, the son of former President Roh Tae-woo, for his visits to the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery since last year, calling for an end to insincere displays of remorse.

On the 3rd, the 5·18 Memorial Foundation, the three May 18 organizations (the Bereaved Families Association, the Injured Association, and the Detained Injured Association), and the 41st Anniversary Event Committee of the 5·18 People's Uprising issued a statement urging that instead of performative actions, there should be active cooperation in uncovering the truth.

They stated, "It is meaningful that Mr. Roh Jaeheon visits the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery and leaves a message apologizing to the spirits of the May 18 victims on behalf of his father," but added, "However, it is unacceptable to evaluate that visiting the cemetery alone absolves the responsibility for the 5·18 massacre."

They continued, "For Mr. Roh Jaeheon’s proxy apology to have sincerity, it must be accompanied by an apology in the voice of his father, Roh Tae-woo, and active cooperation in uncovering the truth about 5·18," urging, "He must put into action the active cooperation in truth investigation that has already been stated multiple times."

Furthermore, they emphasized, "Continuing only with visits without any measures further angers the citizens of Gwangju and the families of the 5·18 victims who had quietly hoped with some expectation for Roh Tae-woo’s sincere apology and repentance," and stressed, "Proxy apologies through media spin cannot cover up Roh Tae-woo’s crimes."

Finally, they added, "What our society must re-examine is not the 'repackaged history of military dictatorship' but the clear and unambiguous truth about 5·18," and concluded, "Only a sincere apology can allow Roh Tae-woo to be accepted with human compassion, and only active cooperation in uncovering the truth about 5·18 is the minimum path to atone for his crimes. Let us not forget this."

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