Yoon Seok-yeol Visits Gwangju: "I Don't Put on a Show"…At the Scene, "Go Back" (Summary)

Yoon Seok-yeol Visits Gwangju National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on the 10th for Memorial
Blocked by Civic Group Opposing Visit, Offers Silent Tribute in the Middle
"Apologizes to Those Hurt by His Remarks"

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju on the 10th and apologized for his remarks defending Jeon Du-hwan. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Gwangju=Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] "I have apologized to everyone who was hurt by my remarks. This feeling will not end at this moment but will continue as I carry it for the wounded citizens and people of Gwangju."

On the 10th, Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party candidate, visited the Gwangju National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery to pay respects. It was about three weeks after his 'remarks defending former President Chun Doo-hwan' on the 19th of last month. During the primary process, Yoon sparked controversy by saying, "Many say that President Chun Doo-hwan did well in politics except for the military coup and the 5·18 incident," adding, "There are quite a few people in Honam who say such things."

Before Yoon arrived, tension filled the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery. Gwangju civic groups and May organizations, who set up multiple layers of barricades to block Yoon's visit, mingled with Yoon's supporters, creating a bustling scene. A Gwangju citizen loudly shouted, "Yoon Seok-yeol, go back," and "What right does Yoon Seok-yeol, who defends Chun Doo-hwan, have? Don't come." In response, a Yoon supporter retorted, "Who denies the 5·18?" The police installed security fences in front of the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery fearing clashes.

When Yoon arrived at the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, a brief commotion broke out among civic groups, supporters, and police. Some citizens welcoming Yoon's visit waved chrysanthemums and applauded, while on the opposite side, people shouted, "Yoon Seok-yeol, get out." On the ground toward the memorial tower, papers with phrases such as "Praising the massacre perpetrator Chun Doo-hwan denies the history of democracy," "No need for insincere fake apologies," and "Those who defend the massacre perpetrator have no right to stand before the May spirits" were scattered, and the song "March to the Beloved" played from speakers.

As Yoon walked toward the memorial tower, the barricades formed by civic groups such as the May Mothers' House became stronger. Every time Yoon advanced, voices grew louder saying, "We must hold the first line of defense." Members from groups like the Korean University Students Progressive Union hurriedly formed a middle barricade holding placards with phrases like "You who glorify the massacre perpetrator are Chun Doo-hwan. What the people want is not an apology but resignation," and "Presidential candidates who disregard the people must resign immediately."

On the afternoon of the 10th, civic groups from the Gwangju area, including the May Mothers' Association, and university students sang the March for the Beloved at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, opposing the grave visit of Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate. (Photo by Yonhap News)

In the end, Yoon could not reach the memorial tower and instead held a moment of silence in the middle of the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery. Wearing a black suit and black tie, Yoon did not use an umbrella despite raindrops falling. After the moment of silence, he bowed deeply at 90 degrees to apologize and read a prepared statement. Yoon said, "The painful history of Gwangju has become a proud history of the Republic of Korea, and the blood of Gwangju has blossomed democracy in Korea," adding, "If I become president, I will create a dynamic Gwangju and Honam full of dreams and hope beyond the sad and bitter history." He emphasized, "I will surely achieve the national unity you desire and inherit and develop the democracy you have won."

After the visit, when asked by reporters about his thoughts seeing protesters as he could not enter further than planned, Yoon replied, "I fully understand their feelings," and added, "It would have been better if I could have offered incense and paid respects to the May spirits." When asked about claims that his visit to Gwangju was a political stunt, Yoon firmly said, "I do not do shows."

Meanwhile, before visiting the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery that day, Yoon visited the birthplace of the late lawyer Hong Nam-soon in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do, and held a tea meeting with the bereaved family. Present were Hong's second son, former lawmaker Hong Ki-hoon, who was re-elected in Hwasun, and the head of the clan association. The bereaved family welcomed Yoon, saying, "We are honored as the bereaved family. Thank you for coming," and "You are the first presidential candidate to visit."

The day after, on the 11th, Yoon plans to visit the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do. He will then move to Bongha Village in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, to pay respects at the late former President Roh Moo-hyun's grave.

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