Democratic Party: "76th Armed Forces Day... Our Military's Roots Lie in the Gwangbokgun"

Han Minsu Spokesperson "Yoon is shaking the roots of the military"
"We must remember Chae Sangbyeong's sacrifice... Accept the special prosecutor law"

The Democratic Party of Korea stated in its 76th Armed Forces Day commemorative speech, "We clearly affirm that the roots of our armed forces lie in the history of the Liberation Army," but added, "However, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration is appointing individuals with values that glorify Japanese aggression to various national institutions." While delivering a message for Armed Forces Day, they also revealed a confrontational stance toward the government.

Han Min-su, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a written briefing on the morning of the 1st, "We deeply appreciate the dedication of all armed forces personnel and overseas deployed soldiers who are still serving on the frontlines of national security and world peace," and "the Army began at the Shinheung Military Academy, the Air Force is based on the flight school of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, and the Navy was also started voluntarily by independence activists," he stated.

People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon (left) attends the 76th Armed Forces Day ceremony held at Seongnam Seoul Airport on the 1st and greets Park Chan-dae, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. In the center is Joo Ho-young, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The spokesperson criticized the government's personnel policy, saying it is "shaking the very roots of our military." He continued, "We send a message to President Yoon," adding, "A strong security posture that no one can challenge is not something that can be achieved by merely mobilizing military assets for a parade to show off."

He also urged President Yoon to accept the 'Special Prosecutor Act for Chae Sang-byeong.' He said, "We must never forget the sacrifice of the marine who has not returned to his family despite his discharge date having passed," and "It is the duty of the Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces on Armed Forces Day to express willingness to accept the Special Prosecutor Act so that not a single shred of doubt remains regarding the death of the young marine."

The Special Prosecutor Act for Chae Sang-byeong is a bill that passed the plenary session three times in the 21st and 22nd National Assembly. The day before, at the Cabinet meeting, a request for reconsideration of this bill was passed, bringing the exercise of the presidential veto power to the brink.