Jang Donghyuk’s May 18 Cemetery Visit in Gwangju Thwarted: “We Will Persevere with Sincerity”

First Visit to Honam After Taking Office
Turns Back Amid Strong Citizen Protests

On November 6, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited Gwangju to pay respects at the May 18 Democratic Cemetery, but was forced to turn back after facing strong protests from local citizens.

Speaking with reporters in front of a shopping mall site in Buk-gu, Gwangju that afternoon, Jang said, "It is regrettable that due to the situation on site, I could only pay my respects with a silent tribute in front of the memorial tower. We will do our utmost with sincerity until our intentions are fully conveyed."

Yonhap News

Jang stated, "The People Power Party has issued sincere apologies regarding the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement multiple times and has clearly stated in our party platform that we will uphold the spirit of May 18. However, it seems our sincerity has not yet been fully communicated. Going forward, I will visit the Honam region every month to communicate closely with local residents and take the lead in addressing various livelihood issues and regional matters that people here face."

This was Jang's first visit to the Honam region since taking office. Earlier that morning, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, he pledged, "I will wholeheartedly walk alongside Honam so that the spirit of May becomes a source of pride for Korea and a point of historical pride," and announced plans to visit the region at least once a month during his term to listen to public sentiment.

Jang was scheduled to visit the May 18 Democratic Cemetery and pay tribute at the memorial tower that day. However, he was met with strong protests from some citizens, including members of the Gwangju Jeonnam Candlelight Action group.

When Jang, Supreme Council member Yang Hyangja, Secretary General Jeong Heeyong, and Policy Committee Chair Kim Doeup arrived at the cemetery, representatives of Gwangju civic groups surrounded them and blocked their entry. Some group members grabbed Jang's clothing to prevent him from paying tribute, resulting in a scuffle involving police, group members, and party officials. Ultimately, the People Power Party leadership was unable to lay flowers or offer incense and instead paid silent tribute to the memorial tower from a distance. About ten minutes after arriving, Jang and the others left the cemetery by bus.

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