[Report] Yoon's Resignation and Impeachment Calls Surge... University Campuses Boiling Over Emergency Martial Law

A Wave of Political Declarations in University Areas
United Voices Saying "President Resign"
Nationwide Student Political Rallies Scheduled

"Are you living well and peacefully under the Yoon Suk-yeol government!" "No! Yoon Suk-yeol must step down!"

On the afternoon of the 5th at 2 PM, the "2626 University Students' Declaration for the Resignation of Yoon Seok-yeol" is taking place in front of the main gate of Sookmyung Women's University 2nd Campus in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yeom Da-yeon

On the afternoon of the 5th, in front of the main gate of Sookmyung Women's University 2nd Campus in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, at the '2626 University Students' Declaration of the State for the Resignation of Yoon Suk-yeol,' Lee (20) said, "When the martial law was declared, I was in the library, and all the students were looking at their phones in shock and hurriedly packed their things and left." He raised his voice, saying, "Whether impulsive or planned, it is an unacceptable act, and it seems to have caused an enormous loss to the nation. I cannot understand it at all." Yoon (21) said, "I was studying for exams when I saw the emergency martial law declaration and was shocked, staying awake until dawn," adding, "It is absurd that the president ignores the constitution, so I naturally participated in the state declaration and rallies. I believe all citizens think the same." Hwang Da-kyung emphasized, "The Yoon Suk-yeol government has ignored responsibility for the deaths of citizens over the past two and a half years, refused criminal investigations, and trampled on the rule of law," adding, "We learned from history that university students were the main agents in creating democracy. Now, when democracy is collapsing, it is time for university students to step forward."

About 200 enrolled students gathered for this state declaration. They held papers with phrases such as "Since Yoon Suk-yeol's election, the things I loved have been gradually disappearing," and "I cannot believe that someone who undermines constitutional values represents the country," shouting, "Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol immediately." Kim Da-bin said, "Yoon Suk-yeol has already been stripped of the presidency in the hearts of youth and everyone else," adding, "The only thing left now is Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation, which is the only way he can contribute to our country even a little." Kim Ah-young said, "I was an elementary school student during Park Geun-hye's impeachment in 2016 and regretted not participating, but now, eight years later, there is an opportunity to correct that regret," adding, "The martial law has been lifted, but the people know this is not the end. We will not just watch history repeat itself."

At 12 PM on the 5th, 73 students from Konkuk University held a 'Student Political Declaration Press Conference Calling for Yoon Seok-yeol's Resignation.' Photo by Yeom Da-yeon

Seventy-three enrolled students from Konkuk University held a 'Student State Declaration Press Conference for Yoon Suk-yeol's Resignation' at noon on the Seoul campus in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, demanding President Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation, saying, "We cannot entrust Yoon Suk-yeol even for a day. Step down." Lee Seo-yoon explained, "Although I am not active in the student council, I have thought the president's actions were irrational. While state declarations continue at universities nationwide, there was no such movement at Konkuk University, so I put up a poster first and initiated action."

Song (22) said, "I didn't know if the signature was related to the state declaration because it was exam period, but as a student, I think it is natural to be interested and take action," adding, "The declaration of emergency martial law was really absurd and he should be impeached, so I will raise my voice from now on." Kim Seung-hyun (22) said, "I understand that students were very confused by this incident, and there seemed to be many negative aspects overall," adding, "I think most citizens want the president to step down."

Currently, hundreds of universities nationwide, including Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, Kyung Hee University, University of Seoul, and Ewha Womans University, are urging President Yoon's resignation regardless of students or faculty members. More than 400 professors and researchers at Korea University on the 4th held an 'Emergency State Declaration Related to Martial Law,' demanding "the immediate suspension and impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol, who plotted to destroy the democratic republic of Korea." On the 6th, state declarations from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Ewha Womans University, and a student general assembly at Korea University are scheduled. On the 7th, university students nationwide will hold a 'University Students' State Rally for Yoon Suk-yeol's Resignation' at Open Songhyeon Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul.