"Scared and Afraid, Cried Loudly" Recalling 8 Years Ago
"Abstention Is Also a Way to Express Intention" Statement Made
Defense of Former President Park During Impeachment
Yoo Young-ha, a member of the People Power Party known as the last lawyer of former President Park Geun-hye, expressed his emotions through a post recalling the impeachment eight years ago.
On the 11th, Yoo posted on his social media account, "Even a child in Samcheok knows that when loyalty to an individual and loyalty to the country collide, loyalty to the country comes first," opening his remarks with, "Righteousness is always beautiful. That is why it sometimes causes illusions." He reminisced, "The night was deep, and the time that had passed flashed by, waking me up and bringing back memories," adding, "That day was cold and I was alone. Soon, a harsh winter would come, and I thought I might not live to see spring."
He continued, "Not knowing what to do, I wandered the night streets and returned to the office because of the cold. That day, the office felt unfamiliar," saying, "Even drinking soju on an empty stomach did not make me drunk, and I remember crying bitterly out of fear and loneliness, feeling left alone in the world. When I left the office and walked home, tears flowed again." He also said, "My whole body felt as if it had been cut with a knife, and all my strength drained away. I told myself not to avoid it but to endure it, to accept it as fate. Even though I organized my thoughts that way, the loneliness and fear of that cruel first night of winter still remain as trauma," emphasizing, "History repeats itself. Especially cruel history repeats without fail." Finally, he added, "But overcoming it is the responsibility of the living. The coming winter will be deep and harsh, but we must endure it while waiting for spring."
Earlier, on the 8th, the day after President Yoon's impeachment motion was dismissed due to insufficient votes, Yoo criticized, "The president's declaration of martial law was unreasonable and unacceptable. It is difficult to explain for any reason," but also stated, "However, there are many doubts about whether a rebellion, as claimed by the opposition party, actually occurred." He further argued, "As the saying goes, 'more haste, less speed,' let's calmly and coolly observe the investigation into the martial law declaration process. If necessary, the president should be held accountable based on the results," adding, "Although some criticize me as an accomplice to rebellion for not participating in the vote, abstaining is also a form of expressing one's opinion."
Meanwhile, Yoo, a former prosecutor, gained prominence as a legal advisor to former President Park in 2005. Later, when the Choi Soon-sil gate broke out, he took on the role of Park's personal lawyer.
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