Oh Se-hoon and Park Hyung-jun Strongly Oppose 'Martial Law Withdrawal'
Ahn Cheol-soo "Will Defend Even at All Costs"
Lee Jun-seok "Unconstitutional Act Grounds for Impeachment"
Only Hong Joon-pyo Reacts Late "Hope It Is Well Managed"
On the 3rd, when President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, the responses of potential ruling party candidates varied. There are signs that the power map will be reshaped depending on whether individuals actively opposed the declaration by shouting for its withdrawal or remained passive. The deadlock surrounding President Yoon, which goes beyond a lame duck phase, is expected to intensify.
The most active opponents were Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and Busan Mayor Park Hyung-jun. Mayor Oh issued a statement the night before, after the martial law declaration, expressing his opposition. He said, "Martial law must be withdrawn," and added, "As mayor, I will do my best to protect the daily lives of citizens." Immediately after the declaration, he came out to his office at Seoul City Hall to prepare for changes in the situation. Mayor Park also said, "Martial law must be immediately withdrawn," and emphasized, "There must be no regression in the democracy that our people have protected."
During the vote on the 'Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Act,' Ahn Cheol-soo, a ruling party member from the People Power Party who was the only one to remain in his seat, was blocked by military and police forces the day before and could not attend the vote. Although he was at the party headquarters, he strongly opposed the martial law. As he left the party headquarters, Ahn told reporters, "This is an outrage against democracy," and said, "I will throw my whole body into stopping this."
Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, was also prevented from entering the National Assembly and could not attend the plenary session vote. However, he criticized President Yoon for declaring martial law, saying, "Unconstitutional acts are grounds for impeachment." On that morning’s CBS radio, Lee said, "It violates the constitution, and judging from the proclamation and decree issued later, it was a very incoherent attempt, like why the medical school issue was brought up," and added, "I got the impression that the Korean civil service and the military and police did not actively support this attempt."
On the other hand, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo showed no reaction either after the martial law declaration or when the National Assembly revoked it. Given Mayor Hong’s usual keen interest in political issues, his delayed response is considered somewhat unusual. At 8 a.m. that day, Mayor Hong posted a brief message on his social media, saying, "I understand the loyalty, but it was a reckless midnight happening," and added, "I regret whether there was no other way. I hope it will be well managed."
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