Local Political Circles Demand Dismissal of Yoon for Leading Insurrection (Comprehensive)

Local Councils, Democratic, Progressive, and Justice Parties Urge 'Resignation'
Jeonnam Basic Councils Issue Successive 'Haya' Statements

On the 4th, Lee Ju-young of the Reform New Party, Cheon Ha-ram, floor leader, Shin Jang-sik of the National Innovation Party, Yoon Jong-oh, floor leader of the Progressive Party, Yong Hye-in, leader of the Basic Income Party, Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, and Kim Yong-min of the Democratic Party of Korea submitted the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol, jointly proposed by six opposition parties, to the National Assembly Secretariat. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

The political circles in Gwangju and Jeonnam jointly criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 4th, calling for his "dismissal" in relation to his declaration of martial law.

Members of the Democratic Party and independent councilors of Gwangju City Council, along with Democratic Party, Progressive Party, and Justice Party members of the Jeonnam Provincial Council, stated in a joint statement that "Yoon Seok-yeol, who led the rebellion, must immediately step down and face legal punishment."

The city and provincial councilors said, "We strongly condemn Yoon Seok-yeol's constitutional destruction crimes that trampled on the Constitution and democracy," and urged, "The National Assembly should heed the will of the people, promptly pass impeachment proceedings, and call for Yoon Seok-yeol's dismissal from the presidency."

They continued, "Thoroughly investigate the illegal declaration of martial law and the acts that paralyzed the National Assembly's functions, and punish those responsible," urging, "The president who infringes on the people's fundamental rights and sovereignty and threatens the people with power entrusted by them must immediately step down."

President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on the night of the 3rd, and in the early morning of the 4th, martial law troops attempted to enter the main building of the National Assembly. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Local political parties also demanded President Yoon's resignation and punishment for accomplices.

The Democratic Party Gwangju City Party emphasized in a statement, "The 'declaration of martial law' that violated the Constitution and laws is null and void, and is a clear 'political coup' that intimidated the people," adding, "President Yoon, who abandoned his duty to uphold the Constitution, no longer qualifies as the president of the Republic of Korea. The dictator Yoon Seok-yeol must step down immediately."

The Democratic Party Jeonnam Provincial Party also stated, "The National Assembly must immediately proceed with impeachment and dismiss Yoon Seok-yeol from the presidency," and insisted, "Those involved must be thoroughly investigated and held accountable."

The Progressive Party Gwangju City Party and Jeonnam Provincial Party said in a statement, "President Yoon labeled the National Assembly as an anti-state force, and the unprecedented incident occurred where martial law troops, armed with guns and arriving by helicopter, broke the glass windows of the National Assembly and stormed the main building," urging, "The National Assembly must immediately impeach President Yoon for committing rebellion."

The Justice Party Gwangju City Party and Jeonnam Provincial Party criticized, "The citizens of Gwangju, who vividly remember the May 18 Gwangju massacre, and the people of the Republic of Korea have faced the fear of a massacre being repeated," adding, "This martial law is a violent act and a coup against the people carried out solely by President Yoon to maintain his power."

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

Basic councils in the Jeonnam region also consecutively issued statements calling for President Yoon's resignation.

The Mokpo City Council stated, "We demand the immediate resignation of Yoon Seok-yeol, who has destroyed the foundation of democracy in the Republic of Korea and violated the Constitution," while the Boseong County Council urged immediate resignation, saying, "A president who has lost the trust of the people no longer has the qualification to lead the Republic of Korea."

The Muan County Council issued a statement pointing out, "Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law is clearly politically motivated, an illegal violent act that infringes on the people's fundamental rights and seriously damages the spirit of democracy."

The Gangjin County Council, through a resolution adopted at the plenary session that day, stated, "We can never tolerate the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's continued mockery of the people and actions that shake the foundation of the nation," and insisted, "President Yoon must face legal judgment and apologize to the people."