Jeong Seong-ho Demands President Yoon's Resignation: "The Only Exit to Apologize to the People One Last Time"

Jeong Seong-ho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and known as the leader of the pro-Moon Jae-in faction, demanded the resignation of President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 4th. He called it "the only way out for the president to apologize to the people one last time."

Through social media on the same day, Rep. Jeong addressed President Yoon, who declared martial law, saying, "The president who pointed guns at the opposition party and the people to protect his wife and hide his crimes, and who labeled the lawmakers elected by the people as pro-North anti-state forces, has no choice but to resign," adding, "Stepping down voluntarily and atoning for his sins is the way to save the democracy and the Republic of Korea that have fallen into ruin."

Regarding the martial law declared by President Yoon the previous day, Rep. Jeong lamented, "The president committed a crime equivalent to rebellion by sending armed soldiers to the National Assembly," and said, "Such an event is unimaginable if one is in a normal state of mind."

President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, and on the 4th, citizens gathered in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, urging the lifting of martial law. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Rep. Jeong said, "President Yoon Seok-yeol must resign voluntarily and atone for his sins today," adding, "Stepping down voluntarily and atoning for his sins is the way to save the democracy and the Republic of Korea that have fallen into ruin. This is the only exit for President Yoon to apologize to the people one last time." He also warned, "If he refuses, it is only a matter of time before he is dragged down from Yongsan by the angry people."

He also proposed a joint response from the opposition parties. He said, "The five opposition parties should halt all political conflicts and jointly declare a national emergency, and I propose organizing a nationwide emergency action headquarters urging Yoon Seok-yeol's resignation, including civic groups and the conservative camp," adding, "This is no longer a confrontation between the opposition and the ruling party, or between Lee Jae-myung and Yoon Seok-yeol. It is a confrontation between a tyrant destroying the country and the people defending democracy."

Additionally, Rep. Jeong expressed gratitude to the police and military personnel who "did not obey the tyrant's orders and acted according to the will of the people."