'Party Leader Challenge' Kang Hoon-sik's Sincere Communication Efforts in Gwangju Draw Attention

"I first felt Gwangju in my 20s as sincerity and justice, and will pay special attention to the 5·18"

Visiting the 5·18 Democratic Cemetery... On the 16th, listening to public sentiment at various places including the Kim Dae-jung Memorial Hall in

On the 15th, Kang Hoon-sik, a member of the National Assembly who has thrown his hat in the ring for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Gwangju and met with Kim Hyung-mi, the director of the May Mothers Association, to exchange opinions.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Kang Hoon-sik, a member of the National Assembly representing Asan-eul, Chungnam, who is running for the party leader in the August 28 Democratic Party convention, visited Gwangju, the heart of the party, to engage in sincere and heartfelt communication.

On the 15th, Kang met with Kim Hyung-mi, the head of the May Mothers Association, to hear her opinions on the necessary aspects of uncovering the truth about the May 18 Democratic Movement.

At this meeting, he candidly shared his thoughts on May 18 and the direction that should be taken moving forward.

He also mentioned his first impressions when he visited Gwangju.

He said, “In my early twenties, I came to Gwangju to protest, and a mother who was selling goods from a handcart told the protesting students, ‘Eat this before you go.’ However, among the roughly 10,000 people, not a single person touched the items on the handcart; they only greeted her and left.”

He continued, “Everyone agreed not to touch the mother’s goods. The Gwangju I first felt was one of justice and sincerity,” he recalled.

He then highlighted that he does not belong to any particular faction within the party but maintains friendly relations broadly, promising to pay special attention to the May 18 issue.

Kim Hyung-mi said, “Recently, the mother of martyr Lee Han-yeol also passed away, and as time passes, it is sad to see the mothers growing older and passing away one by one,” adding, “Please take good care of not only the May Mothers Association but also our May 18.”

Before meeting Kim Hyung-mi, Kang visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in the morning to pay his respects.

After offering flowers and incense at the memorial, he bowed his head to the May 18 spirits. In particular, he knelt and cleaned the tombstone at the grave of Kim Hyung-young, a martyr and the brother of Kim Hyung-mi, head of the May Mothers Association.

He pledged that party innovation should be pursued based on ‘unity’ and vowed, “I will uphold the spirit of May 18 Gwangju to create a new Democratic Party.”

He also emphasized, “The Democratic Party needs time to reorganize for change. I am the right person for this because I am not affiliated with any particular faction and have maintained good relations broadly.”

He explained, “As the only party leader candidate from outside the metropolitan area, I am devising policies for balanced regional development.”

In the afternoon, Kang plans to meet with local basic government heads in the Gwangju area one by one to listen to their opinions.

Unlike typical meetings held in a group format, visiting each person individually appears to reflect his love and sincerity toward the Democratic Party.

On the 16th, a schedule in Jeonnam is planned. Starting with a visit to the Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall, he will travel around the region to connect with public sentiment.

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