On the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement, Jung Won-oh, the Democratic Party candidate for Seoul mayor, emphasized the need to restore democracy and constitutional order. Meanwhile, the camp of Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, continued its attacks on Jung regarding a past assault incident.
On May 18, Jung posted on Facebook, stating, "We have recently experienced another precarious time when democracy is shaken. The nights of martial law and insurrection are not merely a thing of the past. If we remember the history of May, we must completely overcome those dark times."
He criticized those who speak of the May 18 spirit while opposing constitutional amendments that sought to incorporate that spirit into the constitution, saying, "Politics that embraces forces denying constitutional order and democracy cannot protect the future of South Korea."
Jung pledged, "I will carry on the spirit of May in today’s democracy and in the lives of citizens. I will respond with governance that protects citizens' lives, not politics for power, and with administration of solidarity and responsibility, not privilege and exclusion."
In response, Oh Se-hoon’s camp intensified its criticism of Jung regarding May 18. Shin Joo-ho, a youth spokesperson for Oh's campaign, stated on Facebook, "Jung is not qualified to invoke the May 18 spirit," referencing Jung's past controversies surrounding May 18 and a drunken assault incident.
Shin also directed his remarks at the Democratic Party, asserting, "The May 18 spirit is the spiritual and political root of the Democratic Party. The party should be the first to demand the truth from Jung. Shouldn't they immediately discipline someone like Jung, who is suspected of trivializing and misusing May 18?"
He further criticized, "Jung's attendance at the May 18 commemoration itself is an insult to the May 18 spirit," adding, "Jung and the Democratic Party will not escape the fierce judgment of public sentiment on June 3."
Meanwhile, both candidates attended the 46th anniversary commemoration of May 18 at Seoul City Hall on the morning of May 18 as invited guests.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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