Democratic Party Issues Full Mobilization Order for Lawmakers and Staff... "Yoon Seok-yeol Said, 'If Martial Law Again, It Will Be Fine'"

Mention of Special Prosecutor Necessity... "Consultation with Ruling Party"
"Immediate Plenary Session Convening Upon Leadership Decision"

The Democratic Party of Korea has issued a total mobilization order for members of the National Assembly, aides, and party officials in preparation for the declaration of a second emergency martial law. Although the timing of the impeachment vote has not been moved up yet, they stated that a plenary session can be convened immediately if necessary.

On the 4th, a military helicopter is flying over the main building of the National Assembly. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

No Jong-myeon, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, met with reporters after an emergency party meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 6th, saying, "The Democratic Party has now issued a total mobilization order for all members, aides, and party officials. Everyone has been instructed to gather at the main building of the National Assembly," adding, "We will not leave the main building until the impeachment motion is passed."

The Democratic Party decided to remain in the main building due to concerns over the declaration of a second martial law. No said, "One of the members received credible information and shared it during the party meeting. The reason members have not been arrested is due to a shortage of military personnel," and added, "President Yoon said, 'If it doesn't work this time, we can declare martial law again.'" The Democratic Party also announced the formation of an emergency situation room, including the floor deputy representatives and secretaries of each standing committee, to monitor the situation. Park Sung-jun, the Democratic Party floor deputy chief, will serve as the head.

The Democratic Party views this second declaration of martial law as a military rebellion. No stated, "The military prosecution must immediately arrest those involved in the military rebellion," and added, "Yeon In-hyung, the commander of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, is the top priority for immediate arrest." He continued, "There are many involved and various investigative bodies, so a joint investigation headquarters must be formed, and furthermore, a special prosecutor should be appointed," explaining, "We will work with the ruling party to pass the special prosecutor law and ensure it is implemented."

He also mentioned that a plenary session for the impeachment vote can be convened immediately if necessary. No said, "We do not know when the plenary session will be convened, but the authority has been delegated to the floor leadership," adding, "If the leadership decides, the plenary session will be convened immediately. Discussions have also been held with the Speaker's office."