Moon Visits Gwangju: "No Reason Not to Meet Jeon Woo-won"

May 17 Morning Visit to 5·18 Democratic Cemetery for Memorial
"Regret That 5·18 Spirit Is Not Included in the Constitutional Preamble"

Former President Moon Jae-in paid tribute at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on the 17th, a day before the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Notably, former President Moon left a positive message regarding the possibility of meeting Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of former President Jeon Du-hwan.

On that morning, former President Moon, accompanied by First Lady Kim Jung-sook, visited the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju, to commemorate the spirits of May.

In the guestbook, former President Moon wrote, "The spirit of the May 18 democracy is always by our side."

On the day, former President Moon said, "South Korea's democracy owes a great deal to the May 18 Democratic Uprising," adding, "The fact that all citizens enjoy democracy today is thanks to the dedication and sacrifice of the May 18 uprising."

He continued, "I regretted not being able to pay tribute last year before the May 18 anniversary due to my retirement, so I find it meaningful to be able to visit today," and expressed hope that "all our people will reflect on the significance of the May 18 Democratic Uprising together and use this as an opportunity to reconsider democracy."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He also expressed regret over the delay in including the spirit of May 18 in the preamble of the Constitution. Former President Moon said, "During my tenure, I submitted a revision bill to include the spirit of May 18 in the constitutional preamble, but it was not properly reviewed by the National Assembly and did not proceed to a national referendum, which I find very regrettable," adding, "Politicians need to make more efforts."

When asked by reporters whether he planned to meet Jeon Woo-won, who visited Gwangju on the same day, former President Moon replied, "I do not have any special plans," but added, "If the opportunity arises, I do not see any reason not to meet." Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of former President Jeon Du-hwan, visited the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery that morning.

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