Gyeongnam Governor Park Wansu: "Prioritize Response for Residents Over Martial Law Assessment" ... On Yoon's Early Resignation, "Inevitable"

"My duty is to respond to the impact it will have on the residents rather than evaluate the martial law."

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, responded this way to requests for his stance on the national emergency martial law situation during a press briefing held at the provincial office on the morning of the 10th to announce the 2024 provincial achievements.

Gyeongnam Governor Park Wan-su is answering questions at the 2024 Provincial Government Performance Announcement Press Conference. Photo by Lee Se-ryeong

Governor Park said, "After the martial law was declared, I came out to the government building around midnight to discuss countermeasures with the executives, and at 9 a.m. the next day, I convened an executive meeting to share opinions on the impact on the local economy and businesses."

He emphasized, "I am a local government head and the Governor of Gyeongnam Province. Rather than taking a positive or negative stance, or saying whether the declared martial law was good or bad, I believe the basic duty is to ensure the safety of the residents and analyze the impact on the region to establish countermeasures."

He reiterated, "If asked whether political stance or provincial administration comes first regarding the emergency martial law, I say provincial administration comes first."

Governor Park said, "If asked why I do not express a political stance on martial law, honestly, I think I am well-versed in administration but somewhat lacking in political sensibility."

However, he added, "I was taken aback when the emergency martial law was imposed," and said, "I am somewhat negative about whether it is appropriate to impose martial law in a situation equivalent to a wartime state."

He continued, "It is a nationally unfortunate and regrettable situation," and said, "If anyone violated the Constitution and laws during this process, I believe they must be held accountable."

Regarding President Yoon's early resignation, he said, "I think it is an unavoidable situation," but also said, "I believe it would be a national misfortune if the president were impeached again."

He also emphasized, "In this state of national turmoil, the ruling and opposition parties should not conflict. The ruling party should announce an early resignation plan soon, and the opposition should not only attack but actively participate in resolving the national emergency situation with a responsible attitude as the majority party."

"The ruling party is advocating an orderly resignation, and the opposition is calling for impeachment, but whatever form it takes, it will be decided by the political circles including the National Assembly," he added, "I will watch closely as the ruling party announces plans related to early resignation."

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province (center), is greeting reporters attending the 2024 Administrative Achievements Presentation Press Conference. Photo by Lee Se-ryeong

Regarding the recent impact of the martial law situation on the province, he diagnosed, "Gyeongnam's main industries, such as defense and nuclear power, engage in foreign contracts and transactions, so there is a possibility of damage or delays in transactions depending on the country's credibility."

"Major local issues and industries, such as the Sacheon Aerospace Administration Office, which is in the stage of deciding the location of the main government building, may be delayed or affected by political situations, but I believe the overall direction will not change significantly," he said. "We will actively support areas where the province can assist, including the nuclear power ecosystem that has recovered since the 8th local government administration after a period of stagnation."

He stated that regarding policy issues such as the Special Act on Aerospace Cities and the Namhae Coast Special Act, which are tied up in the National Assembly, he plans to request the promotion of these laws once the National Assembly is normalized.

Governor Park mentioned the special plan for stabilizing people's livelihoods announced the day before and reiterated his commitment to measures for small business owners, self-employed persons, and small and medium enterprises in the province.

He said, "The key is how to support small business owners, self-employed persons, and SMEs amid the difficulties faced by local companies and the domestic demand slump," adding, "Although the provincial financial capacity is limited and may not be sufficient, we will do our best to support by cooperating with related departments and institutions."

He also said, "When I took office, I promised to dedicate myself to Gyeongnam and its residents, thinking it would be my last opportunity to work in public service as governor," and added, "I intend to confidently and diligently manage provincial administration going forward."

Furthermore, he said, "If I fail to manage the provincial administration well or if it goes in the wrong direction, I will gladly accept criticism and correction."