President Roh’s Commemorative Speech

On May 18, President Roh Moo-hyun stated, “Overcoming disruption indeed is the most important task placed upon us,” and emphasized, “From now on, let us move forward on the road towards unification not only with words but also by putting our thoughts into action.”

Early this day, President Roh participated in the 24th ceremony of the Kwangju Democratic Movement held at the 5/18 National Cemetery in Kwangju and stated, “Even to this day, we are still suffering from the pain and danger caused by the disruption, and from this aspect 5/18 has not yet been completed.”

President Roh also appealed by saying, “Through the past election, it seems that the planning of disruption is somewhat fumbling. Certainly by saving this new seed of hope, we need to open an era of harmony and coexistence,” and added, “Let us forgive, reconcile, and become one. For this end, a sincere apology and forgiveness should be sought, and the entire nation should come together in becoming one so that the pain and wounds can become glorious.”

In relation to the characteristics of the Kwangju Democratic Movement, President Roh stipulated, “While the 5/18 was a civic resistance against dictatorship, it was also a resistance against the treasonous criminal act of past military dictatorship that alienated Honam, divided and estranged the nation into regions which led to disruption for their purpose of a long-term seizure of political power.”

Jung-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com