Yoon Seok-yeol Visits Gwangju: "I Apologize to All Citizens Hurt by My Remarks Defending Jeon Du-hwan"

Citizens and Groups Strongly Resist, Unable to Visit Memorial Tower for Tribute

Yoon: "Will Not End with a Momentary Apology, Will Continue to Maintain It"

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is paying respects at the Gwangju 5·18 National Cemetery around 4:20 PM on the 10th but could not reach the worship group due to strong resistance from citizens. Photo by Jin-hyung Park bless4ya@

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, visited Gwangju on the 10th and apologized, saying, "I apologize to all those who were hurt" regarding his remarks that appeared to defend Jeon Du-hwan.

On the same day, around 4:20 p.m., Yoon visited the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery and stated, "This moment is not just about apologizing, but I will continue to hold this feeling for the people who were hurt, especially the citizens of Gwangju."

He added, "If my remarks caused hurt to others, I must be reprimanded and take responsibility for that," emphasizing, "There is no meaning in regret."

He also said, "It would have been better if I had offered incense and paid respects to the May spirits, but I fully understand the feelings of those who prevented me from entering here," and added, "Still, I think it is fortunate that many people cooperated so that I could at least apologize and pay respects to this extent."

Furthermore, he asserted, "The spirit of May 18 is the spirit of liberal democracy and the spirit that protected our constitutional values," and insisted, "Naturally, the May 18 Democratic Movement must be included in the preamble of the constitution."

He continued, "Basically, since the May 18 spirit is the spirit of liberal democracy, distorting its essence should be rightfully condemned and must not be allowed," explaining, "Based on the spirit of liberal democracy, some evaluation of history can be made to some extent, but distorting its essence with false facts and fabrication is unacceptable."

He went on, "We clearly remember that the citizens of Gwangju in May over 40 years ago sacrificed with blood and tears for the democracy of the Republic of Korea," and promised, "If I become president, I will create a dynamic Gwangju and Honam full of dreams and hope, overcoming the sad and painful history."

When asked if his visit to Gwangju had political motives, he replied briefly and firmly, "I do not do shows."

Yoon added, "I will definitely achieve the national unity that you desire and inherit and develop the democracy that you have won."

Meanwhile, Yoon passed through the 'Gate of Democracy' at the entrance of the May 18 National Cemetery but faced strong resistance from May 18 organizations and citizens, so he could not proceed to the Memorial Tower and instead stood in silence midway to honor the spirits of the May 18 martyrs.

He did not visit the old cemetery area where Jeon Du-hwan's monument is located and concluded his schedule.

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