People Power Party Leader Jang Donghyuk's Attempt to Pay Respects at May 18 Cemetery Thwarted

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, attempted to pay respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery on the 6th, but his visit was ultimately thwarted by strong protests from Gwangju civic organizations. Although this was Jang's first visit to Gwangju since taking office, civic groups blocked his entry, declaring, "A visit without an apology is just a political show."

People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk turns away without paying respects at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju, on the 6th due to protests from civic groups. Photo by Yonhap News

At approximately 1:35 p.m. that day, Jang arrived at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, accompanied by aides. As he proceeded toward the memorial area, he was stopped at the entrance, known as the "Gate of Democracy," by members of civic organizations who were waiting there. They physically blocked his way, shouting, "Go back" and "Apologize first," and continued their chants and picket protests despite police intervention. Dozens of police officers were deployed at the scene to separate the two sides, but a brief scuffle broke out during the pushing and shoving, causing confusion.

Jang managed to make his way to the memorial tower despite the opposition, but as the protests persisted, he was unable to lay flowers or offer incense. He briefly bowed his head before leaving the site. Some citizens knocked over or damaged the funeral wreath bearing Jang's name that had been placed in front of the memorial tower. Jang had originally planned to visit individual graves as well, but canceled all remaining schedules due to the deteriorating situation.

People Power Party representative Jang Donghyuk is being protested by civic groups on the 6th at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Buk-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News

A representative of one of the groups that blocked the visit said, "We were able to prevent the visit and can stand unashamed before the spirits of the deceased," adding, "We will not tolerate political acts that undermine the spirit of May 18."

The Rebuilding Korea Party also issued a press release that day, stating, "Jang Donghyuk has no right to set foot in the cemetery where the spirits of those sacrificed under the guns and swords of martial law rest, as long as he continues to justify insurrectionist ideas and denigrate May 18," and criticized, "On behalf of the citizens of Gwangju, we do not permit his visit."

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