Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo strongly criticized moves to deny or disparage the May 18 Democratization Movement, saying they deny the spirit of the times.
On the 15th, Hong asked on his Facebook page, "A lonely warrior, or a Don Quixote who has forgotten the spirit of the times?" and noted, "May 18 became a myth long ago. Trying to deny and disparage it is denying the spirit of the times."
He added, "No attempt to use the unhappy history of an era as a springboard for one's political standing should be tolerated."
Hong recalled, "Right after May 18 in June 1980, what I heard about May 18 while serving in the military at the 3rd Battalion in Haengan, Buan, North Jeolla, was horrific," drawing a firm line against forces that make light of a historic tragedy.
Hong's post is presumed to target People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-sook, who on the 13th held a public forum at the National Assembly Library with New Right figures under the theme of "re-examining the May 18 Democratization Movement," fueling ongoing controversy.
At the forum Lee convened, some argued that May 18 should be defined as a riot and that former President Chun Doo-hwan should not be held responsible.
The People Power Party leadership distanced itself, calling it "inappropriate conduct." Chief deputy floor spokesperson Choi Eun-seok said, "Floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik requested cancellation before the forum, but it went ahead," adding, "The party's official position is to carry on the spirit of May 18, and holding that discussion was highly inappropriate conduct."
The Democratic Party of Korea labeled as a "historical coup" the remarks at the forum hosted by Lee that referred to May 18 as a "riot." On the 14th, the party submitted to the National Assembly a resolution, in the name of all its lawmakers, urging Lee's expulsion.
Despite fierce criticism inside and outside the party, Lee declared an intention to press ahead. On the 14th, Lee held an emergency press conference and countered, "Saying there is no need for further debate because everything has already been settled is an attempt to force recognition of May 18 as a sanctuary."