Yusangim Gwagi "Did Not Attend Martial Law State Council Meeting... Actively Advocated for Lifting at Post-Meeting"

Statement on Attendance at the Cabinet Meeting Regarding Martial Law

Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Minister Yoo Sang-im of the Ministry of Science and ICT reportedly did not attend the Cabinet meeting for the review of martial law and actively advocated for the lifting of martial law at the subsequent Cabinet meeting.

Minister Yoo explained in a notice sent to the Ministry of Science and ICT press corps on the 5th, "I was unable to attend the Cabinet meeting before the martial law on the 3rd," adding, "I was contacted around 2:30 a.m. afterward and went into Yongsan."

Minister Yoo further emphasized, "I attended the meeting for lifting the (martial law). I actively expressed my opinion in favor of lifting it."

Regarding the total resignation of the cabinet, Minister Yoo stated, "As a member of the current government’s Cabinet, I believe I must act responsibly in the current situation. I will fulfill my duties to ensure there is no gap in state affairs."

Minister Yoo and the Ministry of Science and ICT initially did not clearly disclose whether Minister Yoo attended the Cabinet meeting held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the night of the 3rd for the review of martial law, but changed their position late that afternoon. It was only known that Minister Yoo did not attend the Cabinet meeting before the martial law declaration at night but attended the Cabinet meeting for lifting the martial law in the early morning of the 4th.

When asked by reporters at the Ministry of Science and ICT building in Sejong City on the morning of the same day whether he attended the Cabinet meeting related to martial law, Minister Yoo replied, "Isn't it all known?" and when asked if he did not attend the Cabinet meeting discussing martial law but attended the meeting for lifting it, he responded, "Let's leave it at that." When the questions continued, he said, "Wouldn't that be an answer?" and went into his office.