Hong Joon-pyo: "The Tyrannical and Oppressive Forces Are No Longer in Our Party"

Visiting Gwangju Buk-gu National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery... Appeal for Honam Support

Recognized Descendants of 5·18 Suppression Leaders "Virtually All Severed"

"Will Devote Remaining Life to the Country," Emphasizing Loyalty and Patriotism

People Power Party presidential candidate Hong Jun-pyo is paying respects at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on the morning of the 20th. (Photo by Jo Hyung-joo)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] Hong Joon-pyo, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, bowed his head to the May spirits.

On the morning of the 20th, Representative Hong visited the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City to pay respects and appeal for the support of the Honam people.

He said, "Those who committed tyranny and oppression during the May 18 incident are not in our party," adding, "The party has changed a lot, and now I hope we can move forward as one toward an advanced country era," appealing for the support of the Honam people.

Entering the Gate of Democracy at the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, Representative Hong wrote "盡忠報國 (Jinchungboguk, devoting loyalty to repay the nation's grace)" in the guestbook before paying respects.

Following the March for the Beloved, he moved to the memorial tower to lay flowers and incense. His expression remained solemn throughout.

Starting at the grave of martyr Yoon Sang-won, the protagonist of the March for the Beloved, he then visited the graves of martyrs Jeon Jae-soo and Park Sung-soo in succession to honor their spirits.

He gently touched the tombstone and photo of Jeon Jae-soo, who was 11 years old at the time and whose portrait was found after 41 years.

People Power Party presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo is paying silent tribute in front of the graves of martyrs Yoon Sang-won, Jeon Jae-soo, and Park Sung-soo at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on the morning of the 20th. (Photo by Jo Hyung-joo)

Representative Hong said, "In fact, I am well aware of Honam’s perception of our party," adding, "That we are descendants of the forces who led the May 18 suppression. So I understand Honam people’s perception of our party very well."

He continued, "But those main actors have all left, and our party has effectively severed ties with them," appealing, "Now, I hope the Honam people will soften their hearts."

He also added, "Politics, economy, society, and culture suitable for an advanced country era must be created, and the public’s awareness should be aligned accordingly."

Furthermore, he said, "Those here (5·18 victims) gave their all for the country," explaining the reason for writing Jinchungboguk in the guestbook as a pledge to devote his remaining political life entirely to the country.

He also introduced his connection to Gwangju.

Representative Hong said, "From January 1991 to August 1992, I lived as a citizen of Gwangju in Usan-dong, Buk-gu," adding, "At that time, I served as a prosecutor in charge of organized crime at the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office."

On the same day in the afternoon, Representative Hong will meet with People Power Party members in Gwangju and hold a press conference at the Gwangju City Council. Afterwards, he will move to Jeonnam to hold a meeting with Jeonnam Party members before returning to Seoul.

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