President Lee Jae-myung: "Acts Insulting May 18 or Glorifying State Violence Must Be Strongly Punished"

"Legislation to Remove Statutes of Limitations for Prosecution and Civil Damages Must Be Expedited"
Aimed at Starbucks 'Tank Day' Controversy: "Poisonous Elements Must Be Completely Eradicated"

On the 21st, President Lee Jae-myung addressed the recent controversy over the disparagement of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, declaring, "We must mobilize all available means to strongly punish any acts that glorify state violence crimes or insult the victims."

In his opening remarks at the senior presidential secretaries' meeting held at the Blue House that day, President Lee stated, "State violence is a heinous crime against humanity that tramples on the people's human rights and lives, committed under the authority entrusted to ensure the safety and better lives of the people," emphasizing his stance.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Senior Secretary Meeting held at the Blue House on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee also said, "We must quickly finalize legislative measures that fundamentally eliminate the statute of limitations for prosecution and civil claims for damages in cases of state violence crimes. In addition, we must expedite the establishment of a state-level compensation system for victims and the revocation of honors awarded to those involved in state violence."

He continued, "Recently, malicious fake news such as the alleged involvement of North Korean troops in the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, as well as acts that glorify state violence crimes or insult victims, have been occurring frequently. We must set the historical record straight to prevent such tragedies from recurring."

He further stressed, "It is not about glossing over the past, but about facing wrongdoing squarely and achieving just integration through reflection and accountability. We must thoroughly eradicate the poisonous elements that glorify state violence and ridicule or insult the victims."

President Lee's remarks came amidst controversy sparked by Starbucks Korea hosting an event titled "Tank Day" on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement on the 18th.

Starbucks Korea, after receiving criticism that the event's name evoked the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, dismissed its representative, and Jeong Yong-jin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, also issued a public apology.

Previously, through his X (formerly Twitter) account, President Lee had expressed anger, stating, "I am outraged by the '5.18 Tank Day' event, which insults the blood-stained struggle of the victims and citizens of Gwangju on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement," and criticized it as "the inhumane and outrageous behavior of a vulgar merchant."

Meanwhile, on this day, the Gwangju Metropolitan Government issued a statement regarding the Starbucks "5.18 Tank Day" controversy, criticizing it as "not a mere staff error, but a serious social disaster caused by a top executive lacking historical awareness."

The Gwangju Metropolitan Government stated, "We will continue to pursue the inclusion of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement spirit in the preamble of the Constitution and strengthen the punitive provisions against distortion or disparagement in the current special law on May 18." The city also announced plans to request relevant legislative amendments from the National Assembly, adding, "The ultimate responsibility for this incident lies with Chairman Jeong Yong-jin."

Additionally, under the instruction of Mayor Kang Gi-jung, the Gwangju Metropolitan Government has implemented measures to refrain from using Starbucks gift certificates as prizes for various events.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.