[Interview] Kim Gwanyeong "We Must Strive to Build a New Nation After Yoon's Impeachment"

Need to Supplement the 'Imperial Presidential System'
Emergency Martial Law Is Clearly Illegal
Asking the MZ Generation to "Take an Interest in Politics"

Kim Kwan-young, Governor of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, stated on the 14th at the National Assembly regarding the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol, “We must calmly observe the Constitutional Court’s judgment and strive to build a new nation.”

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Governor Kim Kwan-young is holding a placard that reads 'Immediate Impeachment of Yoon Seok-yeol.' Photo by Lee Ji-eun

On the same day, Kim met with Asia Economy at the Jeonbuk Seoul Headquarters office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, saying, “The vulnerability of the imperial presidency system has been revealed. The ruling and opposition parties should join forces and, if necessary, amend the constitution,” adding, “We need to explore various methods such as systemically supplementing and reducing presidential powers when the president errs.”

He pointed out that the ‘December 3 Emergency Martial Law Incident’ was clearly illegal. Kim said, “This is something that absolutely cannot happen in 21st-century South Korea. Especially, the martial law proclamation states that it suspends the activities of the National Assembly,” and criticized, “It is clearly illegal. It was an act that truly disrupted the constitutional order.” Regarding the urgent arrest and detention of President Yoon, he said, “It is up to the investigative agencies to decide, but if the charges are recognized, it is naturally necessary.”

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Governor Kim Gwan-young is giving an interview. Photo by Lee Ji-eun

He positively evaluated the active participation of the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) in the rallies. Kim emphasized, “People in their 20s and 30s took the current situation very seriously and showed concern for the future of South Korea,” adding, “It became an opportunity for the younger generation to take an interest in politics, and on the other hand, I saw hope.” He also explained, “This is the first time I have seen so many people gathered since I started politics,” and “It took two to three times longer than usual to get to the front of the National Assembly. That much shows the high level of public interest today.”

Kim addressed the younger generation, saying, “Until now, many have been living lives of self-reliance, but I think coming out to the site this time made them feel the power of solidarity,” and urged, “Do not lose hope in politics and keep your interest. Please watch over it for the future of South Korea.”

He also expressed concern about the extremely polarized political situation. Kim said, “When I was in the National Assembly, there were many negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties. But recently, as politics has become more polarized, the door to dialogue seems to be closed,” adding, “I felt a bit of regret watching this impeachment process.”

Regarding South Korea’s economic situation, Kim said, “The national credibility is shaken worldwide. To stabilize it as soon as possible, it must be orderly resolved within the constitutional framework,” and added, “The acting president must play a role in overcoming domestic and international difficulties with experience.”