May 18 Bereaved Family, Sky Daily Lion Defamation Complaint
gwangju Memorial Foundation Files Defamation Complaint over 1980 Uprising Claims
GWANGJU, South Korea – The May 18 Memorial Foundation, along with victims of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, has filed a complaint with the Gwangju Police Agency against individuals accused of spreading false details about the ancient event. Gwangju Metropolitan City is also listed as an accuser in the complaint.
Son of Uprising Victim Speaks Out
At a press conference held Thursday,Kim Amu-gae,the son of Choi Mi-ae,a pregnant woman who became a symbol of the May 18 tragedy,shared his grief. “My mother died twice,” Kim said. “Once by martial law forces on May 21, 1980, as my father waited in front of Chonnam National University, and a second time by the Defense Ministry. I hope the bereaved family will no longer be pained.” Kim, who had previously avoided media attention, reportedly felt compelled to speak out due to recent distortions of the uprising by far-right media outlets.
Details of the Complaint
The complaint alleges violations of special laws concerning the May 18 Democratic Movement, specifically those prohibiting the dissemination of false information, as well as charges of defamation. The accused are alleged to have distributed a “Special Edition” newspaper on Feb. 22 at a rally opposing the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol in Geumnam-ro, Gwangju. The newspaper claimed that Choi Mi-ae and others were killed by a North Korean-dispatched armed unit in front of Geumnam-ro and Buk-gu, Gwangju, on May 21, 1980.
Foundation Denounces False Claims
The May 18 Memorial Foundation asserts that these claims are demonstrably false. The foundation refuted claims made in the newspaper regarding the death of Mr. Cho, stating that while the newspaper attributed his death to a Calvin gun fired from a citizen-operated armored car, cho actually died after being struck by an M16 rifle fired by martial law forces in front of the former Jeonnam-do Office. The May 18 Finding Examination Committee, which concluded its work last June, identified kim Joon-dong, 17, as the citizen killed in an armored vehicle during the uprising. Cho’s five-year-old son became known internationally as “Little Sangju.”
Previous Investigations Confirm Cause of Death
The foundation emphasized that investigations by the 505 Security Corps in 1980 and the Ministry of Defense’s Past Photographic Committee in 2007 had already persistent that Choi Mi-ae was killed by martial law troops.
Widow’s Testimony
Chung Dong-soon, Cho’s wife, recounted, “My baby’s father was beaten by a soldier and participated in the protests, but he died without knowing the eyes of the martial law forces.”
intentional Distortion Alleged
Yoo Kyung-nam, head of the Commemorative Foundation, and Choi Ki-young, head of the prosecution, stated that the accused intentionally distorted facts, exploiting the images of Cho and pregnant victims, despite confirmations by military intelligence agencies at the time of the may 18 events that martial law forces were responsible for the deaths.
Gwangju Uprising: Unraveling the Truth Behind the Claims
What is the May 18 Memorial Foundation and why is it in the news?
The May 18 Memorial Foundation, along with victims of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and Gwangju Metropolitan City, has filed a defamation complaint. This is a legal action against individuals and groups accused of spreading false information about the events of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.
What is the Gwangju Uprising?
The Gwangju Uprising, also known as the May 18 Democratic Movement, was a pro-democracy movement that took place in Gwangju, South Korea, from May 18 to May 27, 1980. It was a response to the brutal martial law imposed by the new military regime led by Chun Doo-hwan. The uprising was met with a violent crackdown by government forces, resulting in numerous casualties. The event remains a important and sensitive topic in South Korean history.
Who is involved in the defamation complaint?
The May 18 Memorial Foundation, victims of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, and Gwangju Metropolitan City are the accusers. They have filed the complaint with the Gwangju Police Agency.
What is the subject of the defamation complaint?
The complaint concerns those accused of spreading false details about the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Specifically, it targets the dissemination of a “Special Edition” newspaper that allegedly made false claims about the deaths of victims.
What specific claims are being refuted?
The May 18 Memorial Foundation refuted claims made in a “Special Edition” newspaper regarding the death of Mr. Cho. The newspaper attributed his death to a Calvin gun fired from a citizen-operated armored car, but the foundation states he actually died after being struck by an M16 rifle fired by martial law forces.The newspaper also falsely reported that Choi Mi-ae and others were killed by a North Korean-dispatched armed unit.
What are the legal allegations in the complaint?
The complaint alleges violations of special laws concerning the May 18 Democratic Movement. This includes the dissemination of false information and charges of defamation.
What happened to Choi Mi-ae?
Choi Mi-ae was a pregnant woman who became a symbol of the May 18 tragedy. According to the source material, it wasn’t specifically stated how she died. However, the evidence presented by the Foundation contradicts the claim made by others that she was killed by a North Korean unit. Her son,Kim Amu-gae,shared his grief at a press conference,stating that his mother “died twice.” The first death occurred on May 21, 1980, at the hands of martial law forces, and the second by the Defense Ministry.
What happened to Mr. Cho and who was “Little Sangju?”
Mr. Cho was killed by an M16 rifle fired by martial law forces. Kim joon-dong, 17, was the citizen killed in an armored vehicle during the uprising, not Mr. Cho. Cho’s five-year-old son became known internationally as “Little Sangju.”
What evidence does the foundation have to support its claims?
The May 18 Memorial Foundation emphasizes that investigations by the 505 Security Corps in 1980 and the Ministry of Defense’s Past Photographic Committee in 2007 had already confirmed martial law troops were responsible for deaths.
Who is speaking out against the false claims?
Kim Amu-gae, the son of Choi Mi-ae, shared his grief at a press conference. Yoo Kyung-nam, head of the Commemorative Foundation, and Choi Ki-young, head of the prosecution, stated that the accused intentionally distorted facts. Chung Dong-soon, cho’s wife, provided testimony regarding her husband’s death.
Why is it important to correct these false claims?
The intentional distortion of facts exploits the images of the victims, including pregnant women. It’s crucial to maintain ancient accuracy, prevent the spread of misinformation, and honor the memory of those who suffered during the Gwangju Uprising.
Summary of Key Claims and Counterclaims
| Claim | Counterclaim (by the Foundation) |
|——————————————————–|————————————————————————————-|
| Choi Mi-ae and others were killed by North Korean forces. | Choi Mi-ae and other deaths were caused by martial law forces. |
| Mr. Cho was killed by a Calvin gun from an armored car. | mr. Cho was killed by an M16 rifle fired by martial law forces. |
| | Investigations by the 505 Security Corps and the ministry of defense confirmed death by martial law forces. |