May 18 Memorial Association Demands Resignation and Apology from Jin Sook Lee over 'May 18 Forum Controversy'

Jin Sook Lee Holds May 18 Discussion With Right-Wing Groups
People Power Party Says "No Disciplinary Action Against Jin Sook Lee Under Consideration"

The May 18 Seoul Memorial Association delivered a public inquiry letter to the office of Representative Jin Sook Lee from the People Power Party, who has become the center of controversy for holding a discussion with right-wing groups regarding the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, demanding her resignation from the National Assembly and an official apology.

Members of the May 18 Seoul Memorial Association deliver an open inquiry letter to Lee Jin-sook, Chief Secretary of the People Power Party's office, at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 18th, the association visited the National Assembly Members' Office Building and handed the public inquiry letter to a staff member of Lee's office. The association called on Representative Lee to "admit to the crime of exploiting the official seal and public assets of the National Assembly for historical distortion and voluntarily resign before being expelled."

They also urged National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik to "apologize for allowing the forum on May 18 historical distortion within the National Assembly to be neglected and to actively cooperate in having the resolution to expel Representative Lee swiftly processed in a plenary session of the National Assembly."

However, on the same day, Representative Lee posted an additional statement on Facebook, countering, "Does this mean that no discussion at all should be held regarding incidents protected by special law?" She further stated, "Saying that everything has already been settled and there is no need for further discussion is equivalent to forcing people to treat May 18 as an untouchable sanctuary."

Previously, on the 13th, Representative Lee hosted a discussion at the National Assembly Library, which faced strong criticism from the ruling bloc because the presentations referred to the May 18 Democratization Movement as a "disturbance."

The leadership of the People Power Party has said that, at this time, they are not considering disciplinary action against Representative Lee's actions.

Chief spokesperson Park Sunghun told reporters at the National Assembly the previous day, "It was an academic event, and since Representative Lee has made it clear that the remarks made during the event do not represent her views, we are currently not considering any disciplinary measures."

Within the party, however, some are demanding disciplinary action and expressing concern toward Representative Lee. Over 3,700 full party members of the People Power Party visited the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, and submitted a petition for disciplinary action to the Central Ethics Committee.

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