Woo "Second Martial Law Will Not Be Tolerated"
Yoon-Han Private Meeting Followed by Rumors of Yoon Visiting National Assembly
Opposition Chanting "Arrest the Leader of the Rebellion" in Main Building
Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik issued a critical statement regarding the December 3 emergency martial law situation, declaring that there should be no additional martial law declarations. Regarding rumors that President Yoon Seok-yeol would visit the National Assembly to attend the ruling party's caucus meeting, he said, "I have not been contacted. If there is a plan to visit, I request that it be postponed."
On the afternoon of the 6th, Speaker Woo made an urgent statement at the National Assembly, saying, "President Yoon's declaration of emergency martial law on the 3rd denied the history of the Republic of Korea and inflicted a great wound on the national pride," emphasizing, "There can be no second emergency martial law, and it will not be tolerated." He continued, "The Republic of Korea is a country protected by its people," adding, "The strength to enter the ranks of developed countries, overcoming the tragedies and misfortunes of modern history such as colonization, war, division, and dictatorship, came entirely from the people." He further stated, "It was confirmed on the night of the 3rd that the democracy of the Republic of Korea cannot be destroyed by guns and swords."
Speaker Woo Won-shik is delivering an emergency statement in the reception room of the National Assembly in Seoul on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News
He stressed, "If by any chance there is another misjudgment of 'martial law declaration,' the Speaker and members of the National Assembly will stake everything to prevent it." He also said, "I ask the people to trust the National Assembly and calmly observe the situation," adding, "The National Assembly will be at the forefront to protect the people and democracy." Furthermore, he addressed the military and police, saying, "I especially urge the military and police to uphold the honor of being citizens in uniform by refusing to obey unjust orders that violate the Constitution."
The Speaker's office announced that, in preparation for additional martial law, large buses are being placed in the lawn plaza and the National Assembly playground to prevent helicopter landings. Additionally, Park Tae-seo, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Speaker's office, stated, "We are making thorough preparations," and "We are checking all aspects such as procedural progress, infrastructure, safety, personnel, and other matters by time and preparing measures accordingly."
Speaker Woo also addressed the rumors about President Yoon's visit to the National Assembly. He said, "I have not been contacted regarding the President's visit," adding, "However, even if he visits, security-related consultations must take precedence. Without prior consultation on the purpose of the visit and security, it is difficult to guarantee the President's safety." Furthermore, he added, "If President Yoon has plans to visit the National Assembly, I request that it be postponed."
Democratic Party lawmakers are protesting in front of the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly Main Building on the afternoon of the 6th, one day before the vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol, holding placards that read "Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol!" Photo by Yonhap News
That afternoon, rumors circulated that President Yoon would come to the National Assembly. The report stated that after meeting with Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, President Yoon would come directly to the National Assembly to apologize and propose a constitutional amendment to shorten his term.
Upon hearing the news of President Yoon's arrival, the area in front of the Rotunda Hall of the National Assembly Main Building was filled with opposition party lawmakers, aides, and reporters. Opposition lawmakers shouted slogans such as "Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol!" and "Arrest the ringleader of the rebellion!" Some lawmakers shouted, "How dare you come here!" showing their determination to block the President's entry.
The Presidential Office stated that President Yoon had no schedule to visit the National Assembly that afternoon. Democratic Party lawmakers remained in the Rotunda Hall and continued their event calling for the President's impeachment, while members of the Innovation Party left the venue.
The National Assembly is scheduled to hold a vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon on the afternoon of the 7th. However, considering that the People Power Party caucus meeting is currently underway, the timing of the vote may be moved up.
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