Ex-PM Han blocked from entering Gwangju cemetery amid protests

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited a national cemetery honoring victims of a 1980 pro-democracy uprising Friday as the first stop of his election campaign for the June election but was met with protests.

Han traveled to the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju, 357 kilometers south of Seoul, hours after formally announcing his bid for the June 3 election. Upon arrival, he was confronted by demonstrators expressing opposition to his presence.

On Thursday, Han resigned from his roles as acting president and prime minister, positions he had held following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law in December.

As Han attempted to enter the cemetery, a participant in the rally struck him on the head with a protest placard, prompting immediate intervention by security personnel. Han reportedly did not sustain serious injuries.

Facing strong opposition and a standoff that lasted approximately 20 minutes, Han ultimately paid his respects with a silent tribute at the cemetery’s entrance before leaving the site.

Han, who was born in the nearby city of Jeonju, said he shares in the sorrow of Gwangju’s painful history. Both cities are located in Jeolla Province, commonly known as “Honam,” a traditional support base of the liberal Democratic Party.

“I am also from Honam. We should love each other. We should not hate each other. People from Honam live with the pain of the May 18 uprising,” Han said, before leaving the cemetery.

Han’s candidacy was announced at the National Assembly, marking his official entry into the presidential race set for June 3.

Even prior to his declaration, Han had been widely viewed as a leading conservative contender, likely to face off against front-runner Lee Jae-myung, the presidential nominee of the liberal Democratic Party.