Baekgoldan Resurgence: Kim Min-jeon’s Ineligibility in the National Assembly

The Resurgence of Pain: Reviving Past Injustices in the National Assembly

That is why we resent the term ‘white-bone party’ and criticize People Power Party lawmaker Kim Min-jeon, who brought this ‘white-bone party’ to the National Assembly, because of the blood of those who died indiscriminately. Attacked in this name.

In 1991, Martyr Kang Kyung-dae, a college freshman, was beaten to death with a metal pipe from the notorious Baekgoldan. This event was a stark reminder of the excesses of oppression under military rule.

What did Martyr Kang Kyung-dae’s father think when he saw the Baekgoldan group revived in the National Assembly yesterday?

Interviewed by a reporter, Kang Min-jo, the father of Martyr Kang Kyung-dae, recalled the fateful day with piercing clarity. On April 26, 1991, his son’s life was brutally extinguished.

"I got a call from the professor," Kang Min-jo recalled. "He said, ‘Why can’t he (the professor) talk at the Severance Hospital morgue?’ Kang Gyeong-dai, a first-year student who had only been in school for less than two months, was beaten to death by Baekgoldan members with an iron pipe while protesting against the Roh Tae-woo military rule."

His words reflected the deep pain and anguish of that moment. "They beat me like this with metal pipes… When I looked at my son’s body, this place was bursting, and it broke my heart to see this place bursting."

In 2025, 34 years later, Martyr Kang’s father had to witness the resurgence of the Baekgoldan clan that led his son to his death, in no other place but the National Assembly.

"When I think of Baekgoldan being resurrected like this, my eyes become so dark that I feel like I’m dying," he said.

The 83-year-old father poured harsh words on Rep. Kim Min-jeon of the People’s Power Party, who brought white bones to the National Assembly. "Members of the National Assembly are still people who work for the country and the people," he lamented, "but it is not only unfit to be a member of the National Assembly, but it should not be so…"

The Baekgoldan was a plainclothes police unit in the 1980s and 1990s known for crushing pro-democracy protests with metal pipes. Though this era is long past, the People Power Party has effectively welcomed those associated with it into their fold, incorporating diverse views within the party.

"Those who claim to be political thugs are formally introduced to the people," criticized Byungki Wang, a representative from the Democratic Party of Korea. "History and the public cannot judge harshly."

While the name ‘Baekgoldan’ itself is deeply contentious, the organization announced it would keep its name unchanged. They expressed no regret for any past misdeeds but instead professed "genuine regret" to Representative Kim Min-jeon.

This is Moon-hyun Lee from MBC News. Video coverage: Kim Dong-se / Video editing: Lee Hwa-young.

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The resurgence of the term “white-bone party” and the‍ revival of the Baekgoldan name in the National Assembly serves as a painful reminder⁤ of South Korea’s tumultuous past, where the sacrifice⁤ of innocent lives was justified under the guise of national security and anti-communist fervor. Lawmaker Kim Min-jeon’s arrangement of a press conference for the anti-communist youth group, known as the Baekgoldan,‍ has ⁢ignited widespread‍ condemnation and calls for her expulsion.This ⁣event underscores the importance of acknowledging ancient injustices and⁢ ensuring that the painful legacy of the Baekgoldan, a ‍unit infamous⁢ for it’s brutal suppression of‍ protests, is not repeated.

The beating of Martyr Kang Kyung-dae in 1991, which resulted in his death at the hands of the Baekgoldan, was a stark manifestation of the⁣ oppressive regime that terrorized students and activists. The revival of this group’s name in the ⁤National Assembly sends a chilling message that the very same mechanisms of oppression can still be employed in contemporary politics.

The People Power Party’s⁣ leadership ⁢has distanced itself from the controversy, acknowledging Kim’s mistake but failing to take decisive action against those who⁤ would seek to revive the past injustices. However, the opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of korea, have emerged wiht a resolute stance, advocating for the expulsion of Kim Min-jeon to prevent ⁢the resurgence of such deterrents to civil liberties.

Given the overwhelming ‍public and political opposition, it is imperative that the National Assembly takes⁣ concrete steps to condemn such⁤ activities and ensure⁣ that such ⁤a direct link to the oppressive past of oppression is not established. The memories of Martyr Kang Kyung-dae and‍ countless others who suffered at the hands of the baekgoldan must⁤ be honored by fostering a culture ⁢of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for democratic values.

Ultimately,⁤ this episode highlights the⁢ need for continuous vigilance and commitment to meaningful reform in South Korea’s democratic system. It serves as a poignant reminder that ⁣while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in healing the wounds ⁢of the past and ensuring that no citizen is forced ‍to relive the traumas of history.
Conclusion:

The recent resurgence of the term “Baekgoldan” in the National Assembly is a stark reminder of the dark chapters in South Korea’s history, were state-authority oppression and brutality were justified under the guise of national security. The name “Baekgoldan,” which translates to “White Skull Squad,” evokes memories of the police unit notorious for its role in suppressing pro-democracy protests in the 1980s and 1990s with metal pipes and other forms of violence.

The involvement of current lawmakers with associations tied to thes past atrocities is a disturbing trend that highlights the continued challenge of fostering democratic values in South Korea’s political landscape.The recent press conference organized by Rep. Kim Min-jeon, aimed at promoting an anti-communist youth group, further fueled these concerns.

The story of Martyr Kang Kyung-dae, who was brutally killed by Baekgoldan members in 1991, underscores the human cost of such actions. kang Min-jo, his father, expressed the depths of his pain and anguish, illustrating how past wounds can be reopened by such actions.

This resurgence also raises critical questions about the National Assembly’s role in addressing past injustices and ensuring accountability. The involvement of lawmakers who have ties to organizations associated with grave human rights abuses not only undermines the integrity of the National Assembly but also threatens to erase the progress made towards consolidating democracy.

the resumption of symbols and ideologies linked to Baekgoldan in the National Assembly serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting and learning from history. It is indeed imperative that South Korea’s political leaders prioritize openness, accountability, and respect for human rights. The National Assembly must uphold its commitment to democratic values and uphold the principles of justice and equality, ensuring that such historical horrors are not revisited in the present. By doing so, South Korea can strengthen its democracy and honor the memories of those who suffered under past injustices.

References:

• [1] MK News: Critics say that the far-right image is being overlaid on the people’s power.
• [2] accesson: The South Korean Student Movement in the 1980s.
• [4] MK News: Former lawmaker Kim Min, who was controversial for arranging a press conference at the National Assembly by a youth organization called the White Bone Team.
• [5] Korea Times: Ruling party lawmaker faces backlash for supporting ‘anti-communist youth corps’ organization.

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This conclusion aims to highlight the meaning of understanding and addressing historical injustices, emphasizing the importance of accountability among South Korea’s political leaders to ensure that such grave errors are not repeated.