Jang Dong-hyeok of the People Power Party said on Apr. 3 at the Jeju April 3rd Peace Park, where the 78th anniversary memorial for the Jeju April 3rd victims was held, "It may be possible for historical facts to be verified and for new history to be written, but I believe distortion cannot be allowed." It was the first time in four years that the People Power Party leadership attended the April 3rd memorial since the tenure of Lee Jun-seok as party leader in 2022.
Regarding viewing the film "The Birth of Korea 2," Jang said, "Watching a movie and the issue of historical distortion are different matters," adding, "I believe historical facts do not remain at a single point in time and space, and that new verification and new records are possible." He continued, "But again, even if new verification and records are possible, I believe distortion cannot be tolerated."
Jang said, "Honoring the Jeju April 3rd victims and comforting the pain of the bereaved families is our responsibility as we live today on the foundation of April 3rd," adding, "Fair compensation should also be made for April 3rd-related property damage."
Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at the memorial, "Under the Lee Jae-myung administration, we will fully heal the pain of April 3rd and complete the fact-finding on those responsible and their punishment. We will vigorously push to abolish the statute of limitations on state violence," adding, "It has been said that a nation that forgets its history has no future. We will judge, in the name of history and in the name of the people, those forces that distort and mock the pain of April 3rd."
Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, said, "(Regarding state violence) it is only natural to abolish, in addition to the criminal statute of limitations, the civil statute of limitations. I believe the grand principle is that there is no limitation period in the face of anti-human-rights state crimes."
Cheon Ha-ram, floor leader of the Reform Party, said, "We will do our best to resolve the issues of defamation and insult that the bereaved families are experiencing now," adding, "I believe abolishing the statute of limitations for state violence can be actively considered."