Hong Jun-pyo, "Park Chung-hee committed treason, Yoon did not" responds to criticism with "Not wrong"

When Criticized by Some Conservatives, Says "Nothing Wrong with My Words"
Claims "December 3 Emergency Martial Law Was an Exercise of Authority"

Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo mentioned in a broadcast debate with writer Yoo Si-min that "(Former President Park Chung-hee's) October Yushin was indeed a rebellion." When criticism arose from some conservatives, he stated, "Anyone who knows even a little about the law would agree with this."

On the 31st, Mayor Hong responded on his communication channel 'Dream of Youth' to a supporter who expressed concern, saying, "On the night of the 29th, during MBC's Lunar New Year special 'Son Seok-hee's Questions,' Mayor Hong said 'October Yushin was Park Chung-hee's attempt at rebellion,' which has sparked criticism on conservative online communities and is likely to be used as an attack material by conservative YouTubers going forward."

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo mentioned in a broadcast debate with writer Yoo Si-min that "(Former President Park Chung-hee's) October Yushin was indeed a rebellion." When criticism arose from some conservatives, he said, "Anyone who knows even a little about the law would agree with this." Photo by Yoon Dong-ju

Mayor Hong emphasized, "October Yushin was a rebellion that changed the country's system into a dictatorship. I did not say anything wrong, so there is no need to worry," adding, "If you don't know that, you are foolish." He cited the proclamation of 'October Yushin' on October 17, 1972, saying, "President Park Chung-hee suspended the constitution, declared a state of emergency, and dissolved the National Assembly. Tanks were immediately stationed in front of the National Assembly," and stated, "This was a typical rebellion, and President Park Chung-hee orchestrated it." He continued, "However, this case is not a rebellion. Whether it was appropriate or inappropriate is a matter of debate, but whether it was illegal or not, I do not think it was," and argued, "President Yoon Suk-yeol's December 3 emergency martial law was an exercise of presidential emergency powers recognized by the constitution, so it cannot be treated as rebellion."

Hong Jun-pyo on Emergency Martial Law: "No Riot Acts, So Not Rebellion"

Meanwhile, on the 29th, MBC's Son Seok-hee's Questions featured a discussion surrounding the series of political events including President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law, subsequent impeachment, arrest, and detention. Mayor Hong represented the conservative camp, while writer Yoo represented the progressive camp. MBC Son Seok-hee's Questions

On the 29th, MBC's 'Son Seok-hee's Questions' featured a debate where Mayor Hong represented the conservative camp and writer Yoo represented the progressive camp, discussing President Yoon Suk-yeol's emergency martial law and the subsequent impeachment, arrest, and detention amid the political situation. In this debate, Mayor Hong claimed, "Martial law is not rebellion, and the impeachment was excessive." Yoo countered, "Martial law violated both the constitution and the Martial Law Act," leading to a tense discussion.

The broadcast presented the results of a public opinion survey commissioned by MBC to K-stat Research, conducted with about 1,000 respondents (January 24-25, 100% wireless telephone interviews, 95% confidence level with a ±3.1% margin of error). According to the results, 58% of respondents answered that the emergency martial law was an 'unconstitutional serious crime,' while 39% said it was a 'constitutional exercise of presidential authority.' Mayor Hong acknowledged that the martial law was wrong but pointed to the Democratic Party's budget cuts and successive impeachment attempts, arguing, "More people have come to understand the desperate circumstances under which President Yoon declared martial law." He added, "Riots involve murder and arson, but the soldiers just pretended to act and it ended in two hours." He then expressed the opinion that "Since there were no riot acts, it is not rebellion, and to determine whether it is established, it should be judged as abuse of power."

In response to Mayor Hong's remarks, writer Yoo said, "All of South Korea's legal order was ignored. Even a gang boss wouldn't do this," pointing out that the Supreme Court Chief Justice, Prosecutor General, High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Agency Chief, National Police Chief, and other officials appointed by President Yoon have indicted and brought him to trial. He criticized, "He refuses all of that and insists that only he is right."

Regarding the fact that the emergency martial law ended in about two hours, Yoo presented a contrasting view to Mayor Hong. Mayor Hong said, "Where else in the world is martial law broadcast live by a broadcasting company?" and added, "I wondered why they did such a clumsy thing." Yoo responded, "It was unlucky and failed because citizens and the opposition party responded quickly. If it had succeeded, this debate wouldn't exist. Even you, Mayor, might not have been safe."

He further added, "Although it looks clumsy in the outcome, it was not a clumsy act. In reality, it was a very frightening event." Mayor Hong laughed and said, "Minister Yoo almost got into big trouble," adding, "Even if martial law is declared, would it be done so clumsily? I saw it as a 'happening.' How desperate must they have been to try such a happening to inform the public?" In response to Mayor Hong's remarks, Son Seok-hee pointed out, "This is not something to talk about while laughing like this."