Kim Sang-wook: "Released Yoon Will Absolutely Influence Early Presidential Election"

"President Yoon Must Be Removed from Office as Soon as Possible"

Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party, stated, "The moment President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment is dismissed is the moment democracy stops," urging the Constitutional Court to promptly deliver a ruling on the impeachment trial.

On the 14th, during MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus,' Rep. Kim said, "If the impeachment is dismissed, it means that the emergency martial law of December 3 can be imposed again," adding, "Considering the president's past temperament, can we just let this pass? Can the people who value democracy, constitutional order, and the rule of law accept this?"

He continued, "We all know the right direction: that Korea must be a democratic country, that the constitutional order must be upheld, and that it must be a nation governed by the rule of law," emphasizing, "I earnestly hope that the president's removal will be unanimously decided as soon as possible so that social conflicts can be resolved in this right direction."

President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was released from Seoul Detention Center, is seen raising his hand to supporters as he gets out of the car in front of the residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul on the 8th. Photo by Yonhap News

Rep. Kim has expressed support for President Yoon's impeachment, and voices within the People Power Party are calling for disciplinary actions against him. Kim said, "Whether the impeachment is accepted or dismissed, I will face great difficulties," adding, "If it is accepted, my colleagues in the National Assembly and the hardline supporters are expected to vent their anger on me." He stated, "If this is the price for pursuing what is right, I have no choice but to pay it," and "As long as I am in politics, this is a natural consequence and a responsibility I must bear."

He also expressed concern that President Yoon's release could influence an early presidential election. He said, "Since President Yoon's release, the atmosphere within the party has been shifting toward hardliners," and "I am worried that this will have an absolute impact on an early presidential election." Furthermore, he said, "A candidate who is disconnected from the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and who truly represents a change in government must emerge, but since President Yoon is outside, his words carry much more weight," adding, "This increases the likelihood that a candidate who represents an extension of the Yoon administration will appear."