Song Eon-seok Faces Backlash Over 5.18 Gwangju Remarks; Explains Comment as 'Feeling Unwelcome'

Controversy erupted after it was reported that Song Eon-seok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, stated he would not visit Gwangju for the 5.18 Democratic Uprising anniversary. The remarks, made on the anniversary itself, drew criticism. Song's side later clarified that he meant he wouldn't go because he felt 'unwelcome,' but the controversy over the original statement continues.

On May 18, the day of the 46th anniversary of the 5.18 Democratic Uprising, Song Eon-seok, People Power Party floor leader, was asked about his potential visit to Gwangju during a tea time following a press conference on local election issues at the National Assembly. He reportedly replied, "Wherever I go, people cheer for me. Would I go to a place where people curse me?" He added, "Even in Gwangju, there are demonstrators, but our supporters are also there, so they would cheer like this." When asked about floor spokesperson Jang Dong-hyuk's attendance at the 5.18 ceremony, Song stated, "I don't know what might happen today. So, I won't go because it's disgusting," according to reports.

Democratic Party leader Rep. Chung Jin-sang criticized the People Power Party on Facebook, saying, "They seem like an irredeemable group." As the controversy escalated, an aide to Song Eon-seok revealed that Song's remark was meant to convey that he wouldn't go because he felt "unwelcome." The aide explained that 5.18 is a day for everyone, and Song's comment referred to feeling unwelcome, citing an incident last year where spokesperson Jang Dong-hyuk was unable to pay respects and was blocked from doing so. Subsequently, Song Eon-seok's office issued an official statement regarding the relevant media reports: "Rep. Song Eon-seok did not use such an expression. We express deep regret for the reporting of a private tea time without verifying the facts, and we will take legal action."