People Power Party's Park Sang-su: "What Was Na Kyung-won Afraid of on the Day of Martial Law?"

"Surrounded by Democratic Party Supporters,"
Rep. Na Kyung-won's Statement Directly Refuted
"Protesters Were Not Hostile at All"
"No Threats or Insults Whatsoever"

Na Kyung-won, a member of the People Power Party, and Bae Jun-young are talking at the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Rep. Na Kyung-won of the People Power Party claimed that "Democratic Party supporters surrounded the National Assembly and prevented entry into the plenary hall during the declaration of emergency martial law on December 3," but criticism also arose within the ruling party. Former People Power Party spokesperson Park Sang-soo directly refuted Na's claim, stating, "The protesters were not hostile at all."

Earlier on the 19th, Rep. Na mentioned Democratic Party supporters around the National Assembly while explaining the situation of not being able to enter the National Assembly on the day of martial law during the full meeting of the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, sparking controversy. He said, "I don't know how Democratic Party lawmakers entered the plenary hall early, but when we hurriedly tried to enter the National Assembly grounds, the entire National Assembly was already surrounded by Democratic Party supporters." He continued, "Some (People Power Party) lawmakers tried to enter the National Assembly grounds but were harshly spoken to by (Democratic Party) supporters and could not enter," adding, "We all returned to our party headquarters and demanded the lifting of the martial law. So even though we were at the party headquarters, it was the same meaning."

Park Sang-soo: "The Protesters Were Not Hostile at All"

On the 4th, about 20 martial law troops attempted to enter the main building of the National Assembly and are confronting citizens there. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

In response, former spokesperson Park refuted Rep. Na's claim on the 19th through his social media. He recalled, "Around 3:30 a.m. on the night of the martial law, I had to move alone from the National Assembly Rotunda Hall to the party headquarters for an emergency strategic planning meeting," adding, "As I was about to leave, the outside was filled with Democratic Party supporters and protesters." He continued, "Some of the protesters recognized me and asked, 'How is it inside?' and 'What are you doing?'" He recalled, "The protesters knew I was our party spokesperson and politely inquired about the situation inside the National Assembly." He emphasized, "The protesters responded without any hostility," and "Although some recognized me, the protesters never threatened or insulted me."

Former spokesperson Park also said, "Rep. Kim Jae-seop climbed over the National Assembly wall and scraped his knees badly enough to bleed. About 170 Democratic Party lawmakers climbed over the wall and entered." He added, "Lawmakers can also receive protection from their aides. What exactly were they afraid of?" and criticized, "Shouldn't a person who becomes a lawmaker have the courage to go to the National Assembly during a war or an emergency situation like this martial law?"

Han Jun-ho: "An Absolutely Ridiculous Excuse"

Han Junho, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Criticism also poured in from the opposition party. Han Jun-ho, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said at the party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 20th, "Regarding the reason why 90 People Power Party lawmakers did not participate in the vote on the resolution demanding the lifting of martial law on the day of the martial law, Rep. Na Kyung-won made an absolutely ridiculous excuse," adding, "He blamed the Democratic Party, saying 'The National Assembly was surrounded by Democratic Party supporters when we tried to enter the grounds,' and 'We couldn't vote because of the Democratic Party.'" Han said, "There should be limits to lying. If you briefly look at the People Power Party group chat messages on the day of martial law, at 12:05 a.m. on the 4th, Rep. Kim Jae-jung shared a list of lawmakers who arrived at the party headquarters, and Rep. Na was included in it," adding, "At 12:03 a.m., Rep. Woo Jae-joon said, 'The police are not actively blocking; please climb over the wall,' and one minute later, Rep. Park Soo-min reported that they had entered by climbing over the wall."