Gwangju: Former South Korean Prime Minister and current presidential candidate Han Duck-soo encountered resistance from protesters and was struck by a placard during his visit to a cemetery as part of his election campaign.

According to Anadolu Agency, Han was visiting the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju, a site where victims of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising are interred. Han made the visit shortly after announcing his candidacy, aiming to pay respects and connect with the local community.

Upon arrival, he was met with demonstrators opposing his presence. During the confrontation, a protester hit Han on the head with a placard as he attempted to enter the cemetery. His bodyguards quickly intervened, and reports indicate that Han was not injured in the incident.

The visit was brief, lasting only 20 minutes before Han departed the site. Before leaving, Han addressed the situation, emphasizing his connection to the region by stating, "I am also from Honam," referring to Gwangju. He urged for unity, expressing, "We should love each other. We should not hate each other. People from Honam live with the pain of the May 18 uprising."

Han had resigned from his position as acting president the previous day to qualify for the presidential race. The 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju was a significant revolt against the military dictatorship of President Chun Doo-hwan, occurring between May 18 and May 27.