Nakyeongwon, Absent from 12·3 Martial Law Lift, Says "Democratic Party Supporters Surrounded the National Assembly"

Na Kyung-won "It was at the party, but means 'martial law lifted'"
Criticism arises over the remark "Are you blaming the people?"

Regarding the fact that People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers did not participate in the vote to lift the martial law during the 12·3 emergency martial law incident, PPP lawmaker Na Kyung-won expressed that not participating in the vote did not mean opposing the lifting of martial law. On the 19th, Na said at the full meeting of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Business Committee, "I don't know how Democratic Party lawmakers entered the National Assembly plenary hall so early, but when we (PPP lawmakers) hurriedly tried to enter the National Assembly premises, the National Assembly was already completely surrounded by Democratic Party supporters." She continued, "Some lawmakers tried to enter the National Assembly premises but heard harsh words from Democratic Party supporters and returned to the party headquarters," and claimed, "Although we were at the party headquarters, it had the same meaning (as being inside the National Assembly) regarding the lifting of martial law."

Na Kyung-won, member of the People Power Party.

She added, "Just because PPP members could not all participate in the demand to lift martial law does not mean they opposed the demand," and said, "No member in this room thinks the president did the right thing by imposing martial law. The president did something that should not have been done." Na emphasized, "Now we need to calm down. The impeachment process is over after the martial law incident. There are constitutional and legal procedures. We should leave it to those and do what we must do in the National Assembly."

In response to Na's remarks, Democratic Party lawmakers protested loudly, saying, "Are you saying you couldn't enter because of the people?" and "Didn't former floor leader Choo Kyung-ho tell you to come to the party headquarters?" In particular, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Han-kyu directly criticized Na on social media (SNS), saying, "Are you blaming the people who came to stop the martial law troops and risked their lives to protect the National Assembly for the fact that you couldn't enter the National Assembly?" He also said, "Please get a grip," and added, "The reason Na can say such things in the National Assembly committee now is thanks to the people who rushed here that day. I really cannot contain my despair."

Earlier, the National Assembly passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law around 1 a.m. on the 4th, shortly after the martial law was declared, with all 190 present lawmakers voting in favor. Among those who participated in the vote to lift martial law, 172 were opposition lawmakers including the Democratic Party, while only 18 were from the People Power Party. In particular, the PPP was confused about the location of the party meeting immediately after the martial law was declared and eventually held the meeting at the party headquarters instead of the National Assembly, with many lawmakers waiting outside the National Assembly.