Estimated 100,000 Gathered
Warning of Prosecutorial Dictatorship and Livelihood Crisis
[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, warned on the 4th, "I warn the Yoon Seok-yeol prosecutor dictatorship regime," and said, "Even if you trample on Lee Jae-myung, do not trample on the people's livelihood." Lee harshly criticized the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's governance, mentioning political crises described as prosecutor dictatorship, as well as security and livelihood crises. He also expressed his determination to fulfill his duties despite persecution.
On the same day, Lee stood on the podium at the ‘Yoon Seok-yeol Regime Livelihood Collapse Prosecutor Dictatorship Condemnation Rally’ near Sungnyemun in Seoul, saying, "Do not choose the path of the fallen Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administrations that brought unhappiness to the people, the country, and the regime," and warned, "A desperate judgment from the people awaits."
Lee devoted most of his speech to criticizing the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's governance and the prosecution.
He pointed out, "Since the Yoon Seok-yeol regime took office, has our society moved forward even a single step? Not only has there been no progress, but unimaginable regression and decline have occurred in such a short time." He especially highlighted tensions with North Korea, saying, "Peace is in crisis. The Korean Peninsula crisis is escalating with North Korea’s reckless accusations and a tit-for-tat confrontation, with verbal bombs threatening war." Lee said, "Isn't this due to the Yoon Seok-yeol regime’s incompetence, irresponsibility, and lack of measures that prioritize regime stability and security over national security and the safety of the people?" He added, "Creating peace where there is no need to fight is true security capability, and peace is the best security."
He continued his criticism regarding the livelihood crisis. "Livelihood is also in crisis. Heating bills are exploding, electricity rates are rising, and transportation costs are increasing. Uniquely, our people's jobs are decreasing and paychecks are getting thinner," he said. "The people’s backs are about to break, yet banks and oil companies are hitting jackpots and enjoying profit-sharing parties. What is the Yoon Seok-yeol regime doing?" Lee criticized, "They cut the budget for support to ordinary citizens citing fiscal shortages and raise public utility fees. If the budget is insufficient, why are they so eager to cut taxes for the rich?"
He also criticized energy policy in the era of climate crisis. "Facing the climate crisis, the whole world is moving beyond carbon neutrality toward an ecological civilization society centered on renewable energy. It is truly a time of great transition," he said. "However, the Yoon Seok-yeol regime is moving backward to a carbon civilization era. Everyone is fleeing the past, but they are running in reverse," he pointed out.
He criticized the retreat of the role of the state as well. "Our society is regressing in all areas, and countless people are suffering," he said. "If we were a community that looked after each other instead of forcing everyone to fend for themselves, the three women living in the semi-basement in Sillim-dong would still be alive, and if the state had fulfilled its responsibilities, October 29 in Itaewon would have been an ordinary day."
He strongly criticized the prosecution by comparing it to the Yushin dictatorship regime. "In the place where the Yushin dictatorship regime stepped down, the prosecutor dictatorship regime is coiling again," he said. "Instead of Yushin clerks, prosecutors occupy key state positions, and instead of soldiers’ guns, prosecutors’ warrants threaten the people." He added, "Violent domination has taken the place of politics. Shouldn't we step up to protect suffocating democracy?"
Regarding the political difficulties caused by various investigations, he expressed his determination to confront them head-on. Lee said, "I will take comfort in the advice, or rather non-advice, that even though I am a loser and lost the war, I should be grateful that my entire family is not exterminated." He added, "Compared to the blood and tears of the people and their suffering, what significance do the difficulties I face have?" He continued, "I will engrave this historical mission in my bones. I will face any persecution calmly and never forget the responsibility entrusted by the people."
He said, "To those who tell me to stay strong, I will be your strength," and "Together with the people, I will muster courage and definitely overcome this."
This ‘People’s Report Rally’ was part of an outside-the-parliament struggle, where the entire Democratic Party went outside the National Assembly to shout political slogans. Not only the party leadership but also many Democratic Party lawmakers, regional committee heads, and core party members gathered. The number of attendees was estimated by the organizers to be 100,000.
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