South Korean ruling party member faces ethics complaint over Gwangju Uprising forum

Lee Jin-sook, a member of South Korea's ruling People Power Party, faces an ethics committee complaint for organizing a parliamentary forum that allegedly distorted and denigrated the May 18th Gwangju Uprising. The complaint was filed by a party member representing over 3,700 party members who argue Lee's actions constitute a deliberate defiance of the party's name and a platform for historical revisionism.

“

This event was pushed through by Rep. Lee despite the strong objections of Floor Leader Jung Jin-suk and the party leadership.

The forum, titled 'Re-examination of the May 18th Democratic Uprising Parliamentary Public Forum,' featured controversial figures, including former Seoul National University professor Lee Young-hoon, a known proponent of historical revisionism, and Huh Hwa-pyung, a former aide to then-military commander Chun Doo-hwan. The presence of Huh, identified as a key figure in the 1979 coup, alongside Lee was particularly criticized as demonstrating the company the People Power Party keeps.

“

The appearance of Huh Hwa-pyung, identified as the chief of staff for then-military commander Chun Doo-hwan, sitting side-by-side with Lee Jin-sook, is a disaster showing who the People Power Party associates with.

The complainants argued that Lee's actions violated party principles by providing a stage for distorted history, inciting regional discrimination, and potentially causing violence within the National Assembly. They demanded the highest level of disciplinary action, including expulsion or a recommendation to leave the party. The petition specifically condemned Lee for proceeding with the event despite strong objections from the party's floor leader and other senior members, suggesting she prioritized personal political gain over party unity and strategy.

“

Since it was not a party-level event, it is difficult for the leadership to comment specifically.

However, the party leadership has indicated they are not currently considering sanctions against Lee. Park Sung-hoon, the party's senior spokesperson, stated that since the event was not officially organized by the party, the leadership's stance is difficult to articulate specifically. He noted that Lee maintains the remarks made at the forum were unrelated to her personal views and that the event was framed as an academic discussion. While acknowledging concerns regarding the May 18th Uprising, the party urged against excessive political attacks.

“

Rep. Lee stated that the remarks made at the event are unrelated to her.