Professors' Consecutive Political Statements... 177 Yonsei University Faculty Members Say "President Yoon Should Step Down Voluntarily"

"No Minimum Reflection or Apology"

177 professors from Yonsei University issued a declaration calling for President Yoon Seok-yeol's resignation.

On the morning of the 21st, Yonsei University professors released a declaration titled "You Are No Longer Our President," stating, "President Yoon Seok-yeol's inaugural address was grander than any previous one, yet this promise has become an empty shell in just two and a half years." They argued, "Economic polarization and the erosion of democratic institutions have weakened the foundation of substantive freedom. The legitimate demands of sovereign citizens calling for democracy, equality, and peace have often been ignored, and even the most basic freedoms of the press and expression are under threat."

They continued, "What the Yoon administration has shown us during half of its term is the bare face of incompetent, irresponsible, and unscrupulous power. From the Itaewon tragedy to the Sergeant Chae incident, suppression of labor and the press, historical distortion, submissive diplomacy toward the U.S. and Japan, aggressive North Korea policies, and tax cuts favoring the wealthy, the administration's mismanagement is countless." They added, "Now, suspicions of state affairs manipulation involving the president's wife and political brokers are unfolding in an increasingly dramatic fashion."

The professors further stated, "The shadow of the administration's arbitrariness and lack of communication is too long and clear to be covered up by the excuse of 'resistance to reform.'" They criticized, "Nevertheless, the administration's perception of reality is extremely complacent. The presidential office, instead of responsibly managing policies and public welfare under a clear vision and goals, repeatedly responds to continuous domestic and international incidents with disorganized reactions and false explanations."

They added, "What hope can we have for a president who does not even know how to offer the minimum reflection or apology for political and policy failures and unscrupulousness?" and demanded, "President Yoon Seok-yeol should apologize for the injustices and mismanagement he has committed and step down from the presidency as soon as possible."

The declaration has been posted in the form of large notices starting today at the student union building, library, and various colleges on Yonsei University's Seoul campus in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.