Park Ji-won "Yoon, Please Comply Willingly with the Execution of the Arrest Warrant"

"Democracy and the Common People's Economy Totally Collapsed"

Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol, calling him a "truly pathetic person."

On the 2nd, Park appeared on kbc Gwangju Broadcasting's 'Yeouido Invitation' and said, "How such a person became Prosecutor General and was elected president, ruling this country for 2 years and 7 months, is a matter of eternal regret. Because of that, our country's democracy, the economy of ordinary people, diplomacy, and inter-Korean relations have all collapsed comprehensively."

Regarding President Yoon’s message of thanks to supporters in front of the presidential residence, Park criticized, "No matter what, the leader of the rebellion still does not know what his crime is and utters such sophistry. This once again proves how unfortunate it is that we have served such a president for 2 years and 7 months."

Park Ji-won, Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, President Yoon delivered a letter in his name to participants of a 24-hour overnight support rally in front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, around 7:30 p.m. the previous day.

In the letter, President Yoon stated, "To the patriotic citizens who love freedom and democracy, thank you very much for coming out in such large numbers and enduring the cold weather from the first day of the new year to uphold the constitutional order."

He also said, "The Republic of Korea is in danger due to the agitation of sovereignty-infringing forces and anti-state forces both inside and outside the country," and "I will fight to the end with you to protect this country."

In response, Park said to President Yoon, "You yourself are the anti-sovereignty and anti-state force," and added, "Instead of fighting to the end, quietly comply with the execution of the arrest warrant. Showing the cleanest image to the people at that moment is the duty of a president."

Park also criticized, "Eight out of ten people in the nation say he should be impeached and arrested," and said, "The delusion that the remaining two people consider him a citizen is still living under the spell that he will get better when the new year comes."

He added, "It is best for Acting President Choi Sang-mok to instruct the head of the security office to ensure that the arrest can proceed smoothly."

Meanwhile, President Yoon is accused of declaring the unconstitutional and illegal December 3 emergency martial law and mobilizing the military and police to incite a riot with the purpose of disrupting the national order (leader of rebellion and abuse of authority). The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials requested an arrest warrant and search warrant from the court after President Yoon failed to comply with three summons, and the warrants were issued on the 31st of last month.