Kim Sung-tae Responds to Yoon on Jeju Air Disaster: "Please Stay Quiet"

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Kim Sung-tae "No Need to Even Issue Such a Statement"

Former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seong-tae, who served as the floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol, whose duties were suspended due to impeachment by the National Assembly, for issuing a statement on the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster that occurred at Muan International Airport. On the 30th, Kim said, "I wish he would stay quiet without even issuing such statements and watch the acting government handle the situation."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Kim Seong-tae. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

On the same day, Kim said on KBS Radio's 'Jeonggyeok Sisa,' "The closer a person is to the center of politics, the less they should speak." He also said, "At least for the time being, political disputes should be completely halted, and the political circles should roll up their sleeves to help manage this major accident."

He then conveyed a message to Acting President Choi Sang-mok and the ruling and opposition parties. He said, "The acting president must devote himself to the affairs of the Republic of Korea without any disruption according to the Constitution and laws," adding, "The ruling party leader, Kwon Young-se, should prioritize creating a cooperative political environment that seeks absolute cooperation from the Democratic Party, especially the opposition, in managing this emergency situation."

He continued, "In the current situation where the president we produced is being impeached, the party must embody a desperate struggle to regain public trust as the ruling party through deep self-reflection, introspection, and repentance," emphasizing, "Governance based on political cost-benefit calculations must be rejected."

He also said, "I ask Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung to rather roll up his sleeves and ensure there is no government vacuum or confusion," adding, "If Acting President Choi Sang-mok refuses to accept the appointment of constitutional court justices and the double special investigation laws (special investigations into the rebellion and First Lady Kim Keon-hee) and follows Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's backdoor approach, this will lead the Republic of Korea to a stop and a state of anarchy."

On the 12th, citizens at the Seoul Station waiting room are watching the urgent statement regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

The day before, President Yoon, for the first time since his impeachment, posted on social media, "I express my deep condolences and sympathy to those who lost precious lives and their bereaved families." He said, "I am deeply saddened and devastated," and added, "I believe the government will do its best to manage the accident and support the victims." He also wrote, "I hope that the safety of firefighters and all rescue personnel will be prioritized even in this urgent situation," and "I will stand with the people to overcome this difficult situation as soon as possible."

President Yoon, who is accused of being the ringleader of the December 3 emergency martial law rebellion, refused the third summons from the joint investigation headquarters (Gongjo Headquarters), composed of the police and the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (Gongsoocheo), on the same day. In this situation, his appearance on social media to express his position on the passenger plane disaster immediately drew backlash from the opposition. Kim Seon-min, acting leader of the Innovation Party for Justice, criticized, "He ignores the rebellion investigation that caused fear and anxiety among the people and tries to ride on the national grief caused by the plane disaster," adding, "He should shut his mouth and properly face the investigation."