Criticism of Far-Right Forces as "Brainwashed"
Claims That "Restoring Common Sense Is the Only Way for the Nation to Survive"
Former Korea University professor Kim Yong-ok, also known as Dool, expressed gratitude for President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law during the December 3 emergency situation, calling it "a trial that makes the people realize true democracy." On the 3rd, Kim appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kwon Soon-pyo's News High Kick' on the 31st of last month and analyzed the December 3 martial law incident by saying, "A person who should never have become president became president," and added, "Once he sat in that position, he found himself in a dilemma."
He claimed that the reason President Yoon declared martial law was "because he planned it out of anxiety about holding power as soon as he became president," and argued, "If he wanted to hold power permanently, he needed a very special measure that could reverse all situations at once, and he foolishly thought of mobilizing the military." He continued, "It was not a desperate measure taken as a last resort, but it is clear that he had martial law in mind from very early on and acted boldly," and evaluated, "The characteristic of Yoon Seok-yeol is that he fundamentally does not know what he is doing."
Recalling December 3 of last year when martial law was declared, he said, "I truly felt thankful to God. To give such a trial to this nation. It is a process of trial so that the people can realize (democracy). If martial law had not been declared, the square would not have opened." He added, "By putting such an absurd figure as president for our nation, it makes us realize that democracy can also go through such trials," and said, "In a certain sense, I am grateful that President Yoon declared martial law itself."
Furthermore, he said, "At the same time as talking about martial law, Yoon Seok-yeol has already become a figure finished in history. The people have nothing to worry about." Finally, regarding the rampage of far-right forces, former professor Kim said, "Those called far-right are people who cannot think rationally and are manipulated by some religious speculations, so they are completely brainwashed," and added, "Instead of worrying about them, restoring and maintaining common sense is the only way for our nation to survive."
Earlier, on the 23rd of last month, at a lecture on the current affairs of the Eulsa year hosted by the Democratic Party of Korea Gyeonggi Province, former professor Kim criticized President Yoon, calling him "a person with no remorse for the illegal declaration of martial law," and argued, "If you know history, you will realize that the Republic of Korea in 2025 will be a repetition of irrationality."
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