Choo Kyung-ho "Sorry for causing public concern... My absence from the plenary session was my decision"

Martial Law Declared "Learned from the News"
Most Lawmakers Waiting at Party Office
"Not Communicating with the President's Office"

On the 4th, Choo Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, expressed his position after the National Assembly passed the emergency martial law lifting request, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the people."

On the same day, Choo told reporters at the National Assembly main building, "I learned about the (martial law declaration) from the news," and made the statement.

Chu Kyung-ho, floor leader of the People Power Party, is giving a congratulatory speech at the "Battery Response Measures Discussion Meeting in Preparation for the Launch of the New U.S. Administration" hosted by the Secondary Battery Forum held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 3rd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

The People Power Party had only 18 of its members attend the plenary session where the emergency martial law lifting request was voted on. It appears that most members were waiting at the party headquarters under the floor leader’s instructions.

Regarding the reason for not entering the plenary hall for the vote, Choo said, "Some members came in, but many who came later could not enter the National Assembly, so many stayed at the party headquarters," adding, "Those who were at the party headquarters tried to enter the National Assembly, but when it became impossible to get in, they gathered at the party headquarters."

He continued, "I asked the Speaker for more time so that our members could come in, but the Speaker said the current situation cannot wait and that the meeting must proceed, so the plenary session was held."

He added, "I did not enter (the plenary hall) because I needed to communicate with the members who were at the party headquarters outside the National Assembly and convey their positions based on their intentions."

Choo said, "I decided not to attend (the plenary session) based on my judgment," and added, "I have nothing more to say."

He also stated that he is not communicating with the Presidential Office. Choo said, "Since the process proceeded without any communication with the Presidential Office, I am not aware of the (veto review) situation."