Kim Jong-in, chairman of the Future Integration Party's Emergency Response Committee, visited Gwangju today (19th) and apologized for the party's passive response to the May 18 Democratization Movement and the dead ends of some politicians.

Chairman Kim visited the May 18 National Cemetery right after arriving in Gwangju this morning.

Arriving around 10 am, he wrote in his guestbook, "I will do my best to develop democracy in support of the spirit of democracy in May 18," and read the apology he wrote in front of the'Democracy Gate'.

Chairman Kim said, "Even though a tragic incident occurred in Gwangju, our party could not take a stern remark and action by some people who denied it and damaged the mind in May." I sincerely apologize for this.”

For his participation in the National Security Emergency Countermeasure Committee (National Security Commission) established by the New Military Department in the past as a member of the Finance Subcommittee, "He asked for forgiveness several times, but as a result, it is unacceptable to the citizens of Gwangju, who were in heartache and who opposed the military regime. It was not there," he said, "I once again apologize."

He said, "Historical reconciliation can ideally be accomplished through the violent reflection and confession of the perpetrators, but in a situation where we cannot expect the sincere reflection of the powerful, I kneel like this on my behalf."

“I am ashamed, embarrassed, sorry, and sorry for forgiveness in front of the May 18 Democratic Spirit and the citizens of Gwangju. I came too late. I should have apologized and reflected 100 times already, but now I have taken the first step. I did," he bowed his head.

Chairman Kim cried as if feeling overwhelmed during his apology.

There was also a trembling hand holding the manuscript.

Afterwards, Chairman Kim made a wreath at the memorial tower and knelt for about 15 seconds and kept silent.

A party official said that it was the first time that the conservative party representative knelt in front of the memorial tower.

Following the graves of the deaths of Yun Sang-won and Park Ki-soon, Chairman Kim kept silent and gave flowers at the graves of the missing.

It is said that it contains'meaning that I will not forget even the unnamed victim'.

When Chairman Kim apologized, a citizen around him clapped his hands, saying, "You are right."

The students of the Korea University Student Progress Association (Dae Jin-yeon) also shouted, "Isn't it necessary to expel the Unification Party member of the unified party?"

Chairman Kim knelt in front of the Chunghon Pagoda today, and the moment he stood up, he begged for a while and supported him.

(Photo = Yonhap News)