Advance Notice of Special Forces Society's Visit to 5·18 Democratic Cemetery on the 23rd... Concerns Over Clashes with Civic Groups

The Republic of Korea Special Forces Veterans Association has announced a visit to the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery, raising expectations of a clash with civic groups.

The May Protection Pan-Citizen Countermeasure Committee held a press conference on the 16th in front of the Gate of Democracy at the National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.
[Photo by Min Hyun-gi]

According to the May 18th Democratic Movement Injured Veterans Association and the Meritorious Persons Association, both public legal entities, the Special Forces Veterans Association plans to pay respects at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City on the morning of the 23rd.

This visit will be about three months after their first visit on February 19th, with approximately 50 participants expected, including members of the Injured Veterans Association, Meritorious Persons Association, and Special Forces Veterans.

Previously, in February, these groups held a "National Joint Declaration of Reconciliation, Forgiveness, and Gratitude" at the May 18th Memorial Culture Center in Seo-gu, together with the Special Forces Veterans Association, where they issued a declaration. At that time, Special Forces members who were deployed during the May 18th events stated that they "had no choice but to carry out their duties under orders" and that "soldiers also suffered mental and physical trauma during the suppression of citizens, making them victims of May 18th," which sparked controversy for seemingly granting the Special Forces a form of exoneration.

Furthermore, when the local community opposed the joint declaration ceremony and the visit, Special Forces executives made a surprise visit to the Injured Veterans Association, Meritorious Persons Association, and the Democratic Cemetery just one hour before the event started, leading to criticism that it was a "sneak visit" to pay respects.

In response, the May Spirit Protection Pan-City and Provincial Citizens' Countermeasures Committee, composed of 1,646 organizations, has been formed to take action.

Even on the 16th, two days before May 18th, when news spread that the Injured Veterans Association and Meritorious Persons Association planned to visit with the Special Forces Veterans, the Countermeasures Committee held a press conference at the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, stating, "We have heard that the two groups plan to visit the national cemetery again on the 22nd," and declared, "Under no circumstances will they be allowed to set foot in the cemetery without reflection, withdrawal of the national declaration, and a sincere apology."

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