Expresses Intention to Attend Pro-Impeachment Rally via YouTube
"Confrontation Over Impeachment Mirrors Confrontation Over Martial Law"
Popular history lecturer Hwang Hyunpil will visit the Gwangju 5.18 Democracy Plaza on the 15th.
Hwang announced on his YouTube channel the previous day that he intends to attend a rally in Gwangju calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Sukyeol.
Hwang stated, "I will do something that is not like me for once," and argued, "The confrontation between those in favor and those against impeachment is essentially the same as the confrontation between those in favor and those against martial law."
He continued, "I have been reclusive while writing my book, and I have tried to contribute, even in a small way, to setting the world right through history, so I have avoided appearing in public as much as possible." He added, "(The Gwangju Emergency Action) operations chairperson called me and said, 'Let's revive Gwangju.' So, I am heading to Gwangju. I hope to meet as many people as possible there."
Hwang criticized, "A pro-martial law group is holding a rally on Geumnam-ro in Gwangju, a place deeply wounded by martial law 45 years ago," adding, "This has crossed a line by far and fails to observe even the most basic human decency."
He further stated, "Moreover, how can the church, which should be comforting the wounded, take the lead in such inhumane acts?" and argued, "This is no different from Nazi sympathizers holding a rally at a Holocaust site."
Hwang then referred to Jeon Hangil, who has recently been making political statements, saying, "He has appeared as a monstrous figure. As someone who once lectured on history alongside him, I am ashamed," and added, "The person who used to teach history is now leading church members to support martial law and driving a nail into the hearts of Gwangju citizens with such inhumane behavior, and churchgoers are participating in this."
Hwang continued, "No matter what kind of political agitation he engages in, I did not want to be associated with him. It felt like stepping into dirty water," and added, "But he has crossed a line that should never be crossed as a human being. He has done something no person should do. I wonder if he can even be called a human being."
Citizens attending the 6th Gwangju Citizens' General Rally held on December 14 last year at the special stage in Geumnamro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, are cheering while holding placards. Photo by Song Bohyun
Meanwhile, large-scale rallies both for and against the impeachment of Yoon Sukyeol by citizens and conservative groups are scheduled to take place in the areas around 5.18 Democracy Plaza and Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, Gwangju, raising concerns about possible clashes.
On this day, the conservative Christian group Save Korea will hold a national emergency prayer meeting for Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk in the Geumnam-ro area of Dong-gu, Gwangju. The pro-impeachment rally organized by Gwangju Emergency Action, which Hwang will attend, will also be held at the 5.18 Democracy Plaza in Dong-gu.
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