Gwangju: Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo faced protests during a visit to the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju, marking the first stop of his campaign for the upcoming June election. As Han arrived at the cemetery, demonstrators opposed to his visit confronted him, reflecting tensions surrounding his political bid.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han Duck-soo, who had just announced his candidacy for the June 3 election, traveled to the cemetery located 357 kilometers south of Seoul. His visit came shortly after his resignation from the roles of acting president and prime minister, positions he assumed following President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law in December.
During the visit, Han was struck on the head with a protest placard by a rally participant. Security personnel quickly intervened, and Han reportedly did not suffer any serious injuries. Despite the strong opposition, Han managed to pay his respects with a silent tribute at the entrance of the cemetery before departing.
Born in Jeonju, Han expressed empathy towards Gwangju's history, acknowledging the shared pain of the May 18 uprising. He emphasized unity among people from the Honam region, which includes both Jeonju and Gwangju, traditionally a support base for the liberal Democratic Party.
Han's official entry into the presidential race was marked at the National Assembly, positioning him as a key conservative contender. He is expected to challenge Lee Jae-myung, the liberal Democratic Party's nominee, in the upcoming election.