Professor at Academy of Korean Studies Issues Political Statement: "Swiftly Punish Undermining of Democracy and Rule of Law"

Declaration by 43 Professors on the Current Situation
Grave Concerns Over Martial Law Troops Entering the National Assembly and Rioters Storming the Court
Call for Swift and Severe Punishment

Professors from the Academy of Korean Studies, a research and education institution specializing in Korean studies, issued a declaration on the state of affairs on the 23rd. They voiced concerns that the martial law imposed on December 3rd last year, the entry of martial law troops into the National Assembly, and the storming of the Seoul Western District Court by rioters following the issuance of an arrest warrant for suspect Yoon Seok-yeol on January 19th, have seriously damaged Korean democracy and the rule of law.

In the declaration, the professors stated, "The National Assembly was attacked by martial law troops. When the leader of the rebellion who violated the Constitution was arrested, extreme supporters stormed the court," expressing concern that "the political, economic, and cultural achievements that Korea has made and will continue to make are under threat."

They continued, "They are still obstructing the just and lawful punishment of the rebel forces based on the Constitution and laws by all means," and warned, "If the attempts to destroy the democratic system succeed, the cultural diversity and dynamism that Korean society has achieved will lose their momentum."

The professors made three demands. First, the Constitutional Court and the judiciary should swiftly and unwaveringly proceed with the impeachment trial and judgment of President Yoon Seok-yeol. Second, the government should firmly respond to illegal violent acts that threaten the democratic order. Third, the Korean studies community at home and abroad should unite in action to defend democracy.

The declaration was signed by professors Gunanhee, Kim Baro, Kim Byungjun, Kim Sohee, Kim Wooyoung, Kim Won, Kim Insook, Kim Cheolsik, Kim Hyeonjong, Nam Eunhye, Park Daegwon, Park Seongho, Park Jeonghye, Seo Seunghui, Seo Hocheol, So Wonhyun, Son Hyeri, Shin Sanghoo, Shin Ikcheol, Shin Jeongsu, Sim Jaewoo, An Yeri, Yang Younggyun, Yeon Jaehun, Oh Gangwon, Ok Youngjeong, Ok Changjun, Lee Daehwa, Lee Wanbeom, Lee Yongyun, Lee Jeongran, Lee Jeonghee, Lee Hakyeong, Im Chikyun, Jang Shin, Jeon Yonghun, Jeong Heonmok, Jo Younghee, Jo Ildong, Jo Hyunbeom, Joo Youngha, Han Seunghun, and Hwang Jeongyeon.