510 Psychiatrists Say "Only Yoon's Resignation Can Heal National Trauma"

'Yoon Resignation Urged' Declaration on Current Affairs
"Great Psychological Shock to the People"
"Suspension or Resignation Needed"

On the 12th, citizens at the Seoul Station waiting room are watching the urgent statement announcement regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Domestic psychiatrists emphasized the importance of recovering from violence trauma and issued a political statement calling for the resignation of President Yoon Seok-yeol.

On the 12th, 510 psychiatric specialists released a political statement titled "Only resignation through procedures prescribed by the Constitution can heal the national trauma." They began by saying, "We extend our deepest condolences to the people who suffered great psychological shock due to the declaration of martial law on December 3rd, which violated the Constitution, the proclamation that was close to intimidation, and the sudden deployment of the military," and added, "We express special respect to all those who have shown courage and civic consciousness to protect democracy despite these circumstances." They continued, "Many citizens who remember the history of military dictatorship and state violence could not help but feel serious fear as they re-experienced that trauma," and urged, "We demand a sincere apology from the current president, who caused a great shock to the Republic of Korea through constitutional violations and unjust exercise of power, as well as suspension or resignation from office according to the procedures stipulated in the Constitution."

In the early morning of the 4th, martial law troops attempted to enter the National Assembly main building. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

They also pointed out, "The martial law statement, which seemed to define some fellow citizens as enemies to be eliminated, inciting division and hostility within the community, left great disillusionment and wounds in the hearts of the people," and added, "All the prohibitions and threats contained in the martial law proclamation caused fear and humiliation to decent citizens and culminated in fierce threats against medical personnel whose primary duty is treatment and care." Earlier, Article 5 of Proclamation No. 1, announced at the time of the martial law declaration on the 3rd, stated that "All medical personnel, including residents, who are on strike or have left the medical field must return to their duties within 48 hours and work faithfully, and violations will be punished under the Martial Law Act."

The specialists stated, "From a psychiatric perspective, for the rapid recovery of victims of violence trauma, it is important to ensure the victim's swift safety and a just resolution where the perpetrator receives appropriate punishment," and warned, "The current unstable situation is reinforcing the people's trauma and amplifying fear of the future." Furthermore, they said, "The current president and related parties who have committed serious crimes must sincerely apologize to the people and comply with measures according to constitutional procedures," and added, "The ruling party should listen to the people's demands, not evade responsibility, and participate in the National Assembly's decision-making process." They also emphasized, "To resolve the crisis caused by the increase in medical school admissions brought about by the current president and government, respect?not threats such as punishment of medical experts?is necessary," and urged, "The political sphere should promote reasonable decisions and measures to promptly end the realistic crisis felt by the people." Finally, they added, "We recommend evidence-based, systematic mental health policies that are not one-time measures but can heal the psychological shock of the people and promote social integration and community restoration."