Hong Jun-pyo "Yoon Seok-yeol, Lee Jae-myung, Han Dong-hoon All Should Disappear... Public Opinion"

Three People Claim Hostile Symbiotic Relationship

Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo claimed that the public opinion is that "it would be better if all three disappeared," referring to President Yoon Suk-yeol, Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, and Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party.

On the 12th, Mayor Hong wrote on social media (SNS), "Lee Jae-myung said, 'I cannot recognize Yoon Suk-yeol as president even for one more day.' Yoon Suk-yeol said, 'Then are we to serve a criminal as president?' Han Dong-hoon said, 'Let's impeach Yoon Suk-yeol, drive him out, and become the second line of the Democratic Party.'

Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu. Photo by Yonhap News

He continued, "The public says, 'Aren't the three in a hostile symbiotic relationship?'" and added, "The general public opinion is that it would be better if all of them disappeared."

On the previous day, the 11th, Mayor Hong argued on SNS that the 'December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident' does not constitute the crime of rebellion. He said the Democratic Party is inciting the public and the media by including the emergency martial law incident as a crime of rebellion. He stated, "Isn't the prosecution, police, and the Corruption Investigation Office competitively investigating a despicable act like hyenas attacking a declining power?" and added, "Is the opposition party framing the crime of rebellion like the former President Moon Jae-in's purge of deep-rooted evils to push public opinion toward impeachment?"

In response, the Daegu branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions issued a statement criticizing, saying, "The truth about the rebellion crime caused by President Yoon Suk-yeol is being revealed in detail," and "If it is so difficult to discern right from wrong, step down from the position of Daegu mayor for the citizens of Daegu." They further argued, "As politicians in a democratic society, regardless of party or political stance, one should not advocate governance through the military or force."

Meanwhile, on the same morning, President Yoon held a national address lasting about 30 minutes. He claimed that the purpose of declaring emergency martial law on the night of the 3rd was "an act of governance that is not subject to judicial review, like the exercise of the president's pardon or diplomatic powers." Regarding this, Lee Jae-myung emphasized, "Acts of rebellion can never be considered acts of governance." He added, "Today's presidential address clearly showed why President Yoon must be immediately suspended from duty and why his administration must be halted."