Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum: "President Yoon's Martial Law Is Not a Legitimate Exercise of Authority"

At Year-End Press Conference: "Martial Law Declaration Is Unreasonable and Irrational"

Kim Taeheum Chungnam Governor

Chungnam Governor Kim Taeheum criticized on the 23rd, "If you express different thoughts and opinions, you are labeled as an accomplice or abettor of insurrection. How can one make sound judgments and envision the future in such circumstances?" He added, "The current dominance of the Democratic Party could lead to another form of dictatorship."

At a year-end press conference held in the provincial government’s main conference room, Governor Kim responded to reporters’ questions by stating, "The December 3 martial law is irrational and unreasonable, and I do not consider it a legitimate exercise of President Yoon's governing authority."

He continued, "I have never supported impeachment, but I believe impeachment is not the only way to hold someone accountable," adding, "In a situation where the president who declared martial law says he will follow the law, the National Assembly should proceed with the proper legal procedures, and I suggested participation in the impeachment process."

He further explained, "Since the party’s official stance was to oppose impeachment, my intention was to encourage participation in the vote with confidence."

Regarding the People Power Party, Governor Kim said, "Earning the public’s trust should be the top priority. Just as one tries to avoid something but ends up facing it, isn’t the National Assembly now dominated by another group abusing power during the process of resolving martial law?" He continued, "There is constant talk of insurrection collusion, accomplices, and abettors, ongoing investigations, and the impeachment process is underway. What matters is to calmly observe these developments and consider how to reassure the public."

He added, "I believe the Democratic Party is responsible for creating confusion in state affairs during the impeachment crisis. However, the ruling party that produced the president has a moral and infinite responsibility and duty," pointing out, "In that respect, it is regrettable whether the party is truly moving toward regaining the public’s trust."

He particularly emphasized, "The current dominance of the Democratic Party could lead to another dictatorship," and said, "In an environment where even slightly different opinions are labeled as insurrection accomplices or abettors by the Democratic Party, how can anyone make sound judgments and envision the future?"

Regarding President Yoon’s alleged insurrection, he stated, "I do not consider (the martial law) a legitimate exercise of governing authority, nor is it for me to judge whether it constitutes insurrection," and added, "I am convinced that the declaration of martial law was irrational and unreasonable. Whether it constitutes insurrection should be determined by the judiciary."

On the possibility of running for president, he said, "It is true that some people have asked me to run. However, I have never seen anyone who dreamed of becoming president actually become one, so I am not dreaming of the presidency," and continued, "If I were to speak in quarterly terms, nearly three quarters have passed. As a politician, I am reflecting on how to conclude my career. I sympathize with what JP once said, 'As one grows older, one should burn oneself brightly like the evening glow,' and I take that to heart."

He added, "In the meantime, the people of Chungnam have entrusted me with the role and responsibility of governor," and said, "I will focus on fulfilling my duties as governor."