Myeong Hyun-gwan, Haenam County Governor, Cancels Congratulatory Speech at 5·18 Democratization Movement 'National Declaration Ceremony'

Judged to Contain Elements Contrary to Local Sentiments

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Haenam County in Jeollanam-do has canceled County Governor Myeong Hyeon-gwan's congratulatory speech related to the 5·18 Democratic Movement 'Forgiveness and Reconciliation' national declaration ceremony.

Myeong Hyun-gwan, Haenam County Governor Photo by Haenam County

According to Haenam County on the 21st, two public organizations related to the 5·18 Democratic Movement (the Association of the Wounded and the Association of Meritorious Persons) and the Republic of Korea Special Forces Comrades Association held the 5·18 Democratic Movement 'Forgiveness and Reconciliation' national declaration ceremony on the 19th.

Previously, the 5·18 Democratic Movement public organization, the Association of the Wounded, officially requested County Governor Myeong Hyeon-gwan's attendance and congratulatory speech through an official letter on the 31st of last month.

Considering the original purpose of the event for forgiveness and reconciliation of the 5·18 Democratic Movement and the official request from related organizations, Haenam County sent the congratulatory speech in good faith, and Governor Myeong Hyeon-gwan's speech was published in the declaration ceremony guidebook. However, after reviewing the event content and declaration held on the 19th, it was judged that there were parts contrary to the spirit of the 5·18 Democratic Movement and local sentiment, leading to the decision to cancel the speech.

An official letter regarding this matter was sent to the Association of the Wounded on the 20th.

Haenam County plans to do its best to uphold the dedication and honor of the 5·18 victims who stood on the right side of history, related organizations, and Haenam citizens through careful and thoughtful judgment regarding requests for congratulatory messages and speeches from social organizations in the future.

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