President Lee Vows Retaliation Against 'Fake News' and Insults Targeting Gwangju Uprising Victims

President Lee Jae-myung's strong stance against historical distortion and insults directed at victims of state violence, particularly in the context of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, reflects a deep commitment to national reconciliation and justice. The President's remarks, made during a meeting with senior secretaries, underscore the administration's determination to confront and rectify past wrongs, ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

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We must mobilize all available means to punish those who spread malicious fake news, such as the theory of North Korean involvement in the May 18 incident, and those who insult victims of state violence.

His call to "punish" those who spread false narratives and denigrate victims, using "all available means," signals a zero-tolerance policy towards historical revisionism and defamation. This firm approach is crucial for healing national wounds and fostering a society that learns from its past. The comparison to the ongoing accountability for Nazi war crimes highlights the gravity with which the administration views state-sponsored violence.

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We must correct wrong history so that the same tragedy is not repeated.

The proposed legislative measures—abolishing statutes of limitations for state violence crimes and removing civil claim limitations—are significant steps towards ensuring long-term accountability and victim compensation. This proactive stance aims to provide a robust framework for redress, acknowledging that the harm caused by state violence has lasting repercussions. The swift review of compensation systems and the revocation of honors for perpetrators further demonstrate a commitment to justice and historical accuracy.

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State violence is an anti-human and anti-social grave crime that trampled on the human rights and lives of the people with the authority delegated by the sovereign to create a safer and better life for the people.

This strong emphasis on confronting historical injustices and protecting the dignity of victims is a cornerstone of our administration's efforts to build a more just and unified nation. It is a narrative that resonates deeply within our society, where the memory of past struggles for democracy and human rights remains a powerful force. While international coverage might focus on the political implications, for us, this is about honoring our history and ensuring that the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedoms are never forgotten or disrespected.

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The statute of limitations for state violence crimes should be abolished, and the statute of limitations for civil claims should be fundamentally excluded through prompt legislative action.