Hong Joon-pyo criticizes denial of May 18 Gwangju Movement

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo has criticized attempts to deny or disparage the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, calling such actions a rejection of the “spirit of the times.” In a Facebook post, Hong emphasized that the historical significance of the movement should not be used as a stepping stone for political gain.

His comments follow a controversial forum held by People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-sook, which reportedly characterized the movement as a “riot” and suggested that former President Chun Doo-hwan should not be held responsible. While Hong did not name Lee directly, the remarks are widely interpreted as a critique of her position. The People Power Party leadership has also described the forum as inappropriate, noting that requests to cancel the event were ignored.

Hong reflected on his own military service in June 1980, noting the horrific accounts he heard regarding the situation in Gwangju at the time. He previously stated in May that the movement represented a “tragedy of state violence” that must never be repeated.