The Democratic Party of Korea has launched a fierce attack on Lee Jin-sook, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, for allegedly undermining the historical significance of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising. The party has submitted a resolution calling for her expulsion, intensifying pressure on the lawmaker.
During a Supreme Council meeting held on the morning of August 14, the Democratic Party publicly criticized Lee for hosting a forum at the National Assembly Library on August 13 aimed at reexamining the Gwangju Uprising.
Acting Party Leader Han Byeong-do stated, "Lee proceeded with the forum alongside those who have distorted and belittled the May 18 incident. To mock the citizens' struggle, which defended democracy with blood and tears against state violence, under the guise of academic reexamination is to distort historical truth and deny the legitimacy of our democratic republic."
Supreme Council member Hwang Myeong-seon added, "Denying the May 18 incident and praising Chun Doo-hwan is no different from denying Nazi state violence and praising Hitler in Germany. This is a clear act of constitutional destruction that insults the democratic spirits who fell victim to state violence."
Another Supreme Council member, Park Kyu-hwan, criticized Lee for glorifying Chun Doo-hwan, whom he called the architect of the massacre, as a figure who helped democracy take root. He insisted that immediate expulsion procedures against Lee should commence.
The Democratic Party has announced its intention to push for Lee's expulsion through a resolution that emphasizes the need to uphold the spirit of May 18 and honor the sacrifices made to protect democracy.
Park Gyun-taek and Lee Joo-hee, the party's floor spokesperson, spoke to reporters after visiting the National Assembly's legislative office, stating, "Despite the existence of the Gwangju democratic spirits who sacrificed themselves to defend democracy, Lee has not hesitated to deny their legacy. It is embarrassing to even call her a colleague in the National Assembly."
They further asserted, "Lee is unqualified to serve as a lawmaker. She must resign immediately, and we have no choice but to call for expulsion procedures against a politician who falls short of standards. We will pursue her expulsion as a party line."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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