Ahn Cheol-soo: "Yoon Must Accept Any Decision by the Constitutional Court"

Calls for Message of Acceptance from President and Ruling Party
"Violent Incidents Must Be Prevented at All Costs"

People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo argued that regarding the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol, both President Yoon and the ruling party should issue a 'sincere message of acceptance' regardless of the outcome.

Ahn Cheol-soo, member of the People Power Party.

On the 16th, Ahn wrote on Facebook under the title "Acceptance is not surrender. It is the beginning of overcoming and recovery," stating this. He said, "There must never be a tragedy where the 'Constitutional Court ruling' leads to a 'Constitutional Court disaster,'" and urged President Yoon, "A sincere message of acceptance from the president, pledging to abide by any result, will be a powerful resonance that can prevent national chaos and unrest." He added, "As the head of state of the Republic of Korea, please comfort and console all citizens on both sides of the impeachment debate. That is the president's duty."

He also said, "Acceptance is the foundation of the rule of law and democracy," and "Without acceptance, there is no future for the Republic of Korea as a democratic nation. Acceptance of the Constitutional Court's ruling will be the starting point leading Korea to harmony and unity."

He called on the leadership of both ruling and opposition parties to also issue a bipartisan message of acceptance. "They must show a responsible attitude to prevent a national crisis, putting aside party interests," he emphasized, "Before the Constitutional Court ruling, both parties should jointly hold an official event to declare a message of acceptance of the ruling."

Ahn also referred to the violent incidents in front of the Constitutional Court during the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in 2017, where four citizens lost their lives, writing, "Violent incidents must be absolutely prevented. If the government recognizes signs of such incidents in advance but fails to stop them, it is neglecting the state's responsibility."

He also urged Acting President Choi Sang-mok, "Please take all possible measures the government can before and after the Constitutional Court ruling to minimize confusion. The national capabilities necessary to prevent extreme situations must be fully mobilized."