Representative Lee Jin-sook calls for order as a member of the audience causes a disturbance at the 5.18 Forum. ⒸHanmi Ilbo A discussion on the May 18 Democratization Movement was held at the National Assembly on the 13th. Let us look at the report by MBC.

"People Power Party Representative Lee Jin-sook held a discussion regarding the May 18 Democratization Movement at the National Assembly today. However, an absurd situation unfolded at the event as some attendees disparaged the May 18 movement as a 'riot' and praised Chun Doo-hwan—the primary culprit behind the civilian massacre—claiming he facilitated a soft landing for democracy."

Even the May 18 Truth Commission, launched during the Moon Jae-in administration, failed to uncover a single piece of direct evidence proving that Chun Doo-hwan personally ordered the shootings or the violent crackdown. After an investigation that wasted taxpayer money, the commission's official conclusion in 2024 was that the "truth could not be determined."

Nevertheless, MBC makes the definitive claim that "Chun Doo-hwan is the primary culprit behind the civilian massacre" without hesitation. Furthermore, it condemns the mere act of hosting a discussion at the National Assembly, framing the participants as subjects for condemnation and labeling the event as an "absurd occurrence."

If the media intends to label a specific individual as the "primary culprit of a massacre," it is only right that they present explicit documents proving that the military leadership gave direct orders to shoot, or provide objective testimony confirming a specific chain of command.

For a National Assembly member to host a forum is a parliamentary activity that provides a democratic public square where diverse perspectives and opinions can be exchanged. To view the act of hosting a discussion itself as subversive and to criticize it without objective evidence is nothing more than fascism, which suppresses freedom of expression and freedom of thought.

May 18 has entered the realm of historical events. It is a natural process of historical development that when new evidence is discovered, new theories are proposed and re-evaluations are made accordingly.

If the event is treated as a sanctuary beyond reach, where not even a single hair of scrutiny is allowed, the May 18 movement will merely become a lifeless taxidermy. History can only remain alive when continuous, rigorous debate and verification take place. Who are the ones trying to turn the May 18 movement into a dusty, lifeless relic rather than a living part of history?