Conservative lawmaker to host forum questioning Gwangju Uprising's historical interpretation

A conservative lawmaker in South Korea is set to host a forum that aims to re-examine the 1980 Gwangju Uprising from a "free democracy perspective." Lee Jin-sook of the People Power Party announced the "Academic Forum on 5.18 from a Free Democratic Viewpoint" to be held at the National Assembly Library.

The forum is organized in conjunction with the New History National Movement, a group that controversially claims "Gwangju is a den of dark forces that divide this nation and will lead it to ruin once again." Lee stated that while the historical meaning and sacrifices of the Gwangju Uprising should be respected, "all interpretations and systems surrounding 5.18 cannot be exempt from questioning." She emphasized that "systems and evaluations created afterward, including special laws, must also be examined based on facts and principles."

Presenters at the forum include Lee Young-hoon, co-representative of the New History National Movement, who has previously argued that authoritarian politics under Presidents Syngman Rhee and Park Chung-hee were crucial for South Korea's development. He also claimed that the "Gwangju Spirit" is rooted in a "people-centric, nationalist historical view" that stems from regional discontent in Jeolla Province. Another speaker, Joo Dong-sik, former district party chairman for the People Power Party in Gwangju, is set to present on "5.18 as the main culprit of the 1987 system's pollution and corruption." Joo has asserted that the Honam region has transformed into a self-interested "community of interest" and a "unique people," which has led to the "sanctification or privilege" of the region, enabling the concealment of internal corruption and excessive pursuit of benefits related to the Gwangju Uprising.

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The historical meaning and sacrifices of 5.18 should be respected, but it is another matter that all interpretations and systems surrounding 5.18 cannot be exempt from questioning. Systems and evaluations created afterward, including special laws, must also be examined based on facts and principles.