Andy Kim: "Korean Martial Law Declaration Method Undermines the Foundation of People's Governance"

Andy Kim (42, Democrat), the first Korean-American elected to the U.S. Senate. Photo by Yonhap News

Andy Kim, a U.S. Representative from New Jersey and the first Korean American elected as a U.S. Senator, criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law on the 3rd (local time), saying it undermined the fundamental basis of people's governance and increased South Korea's vulnerability.

In a statement released that day, Representative Kim said, "The South Korean National Assembly's resolution to lift martial law is an important measure for easing tensions and should be respected."

He added, "Democracy always faces challenges, but they must be resolved through democratic and open processes," and "The way martial law was declared as it is now undermines the fundamental basis of people's governance and dramatically increased South Korea's vulnerability at a time when the people should be enjoying security and stability."

Kim, who served three terms as a U.S. Representative from New Jersey, was elected as a U.S. Senator representing New Jersey in the election held alongside the U.S. presidential election on the 5th of last month. He is the first Korean American to advance to the U.S. Senate.