Lee Jaemyung: "If Yoon Returns After Rejection, the Country Will Collapse"

Campaign Rally in Damyang for Lee Jaejong on the 22nd
"If Impeachment Is Dismissed, the Nation Will Turn Lawless"
Reaffirming the Spirit of the Candlelight Revolution and the Will to Defend Democracy

Lee Jaemyung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, issued a strong warning regarding the possible dismissal of President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment during a campaign rally for the April 2 local by-elections held in Damyang, Jeollanam-do on the 22nd. He raised his voice, saying, "If the National Assembly disregards legal procedures and turns the country into a lawless land by recklessly seizing power, the nation will collapse."

Lee Jae Myung, leader of the Democratic Party, and Lee Jae Jong, candidate for Damyang County Governor, raise their hands high at a campaign rally held at Damyang Central Park on the morning of the 22nd. Photo by Song Bohyun

At the rally held in Damyang Central Park in support of Damyang County mayoral candidate Lee Jaejong, Lee Jaemyung emphasized, "This election is not just a local election. It is a crucial election for the future of democracy and the Democratic Party," adding, "The victory of candidate Lee Jaejong will be the first step in protecting democracy in Damyang and the Republic of Korea."

He appealed, "Centered on the Democratic Party, we will surely overcome this rebellion and build a new nation for the people," and continued, "Let us create a nation without despair, a nation full of hope, a country where the next generation can live with dreams."

Lee Jaemyung went on to recall the spirit of the Candlelight Revolution, stating, "Our people have proven that they are the true owners of this country and that this nation exists solely for its people as a democratic republic." He added, "In the Candlelight Revolution, we experienced something unprecedented in human history?no glass was broken, and democracy was protected peacefully without violence."

He further emphasized, "Even after the Candlelight Revolution, the ongoing process of revolution is ultimately about seeking the light. At the center of this is Honam. Only the people should be the true owners of the Republic of Korea, and Honam has led the way in defending democracy."

Lee Jaemyung recalled, "Right after the declaration of martial law on December 3, I thought of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, fearing a possible brutal massacre." He said, "The only way to stop a rebellion is for citizens to rise up." He stressed the courage and determination shown by the citizens of Gwangju, saying, "If the citizens had not stepped up that night, the rebellion could not have been stopped."

In particular, Lee Jaemyung warned, "If President Yoon Sukyeol's impeachment is dismissed and he returns, it means the president could seize the National Assembly and declare martial law at any time, regardless of legal requirements. The country will become lawless and collapse."

Park Jiwon is appealing for support together with Lee Jaejong, candidate for Damyang County Governor, at a campaign event held on the morning of the 22nd at Damyang Central Park. Photo by Song Bohyun

He appealed, "The moment people say Honam treats the Democratic Party like an abandoned child, our ranks will fall apart. If that happens, I will go up to Seoul, attend the opposition parties' rallies, and fight late into the night. While the county mayoral election is important, please lend your support, no matter how small, so that the region can overcome the pro-coup forces and the country can return to normal."

Meanwhile, the rally was also attended by Democratic Party Supreme Council members Kim Minseok and Kim Byungjoo, as well as lawmakers Park Jiwon, Joo Cheolhyeon, Yang Bunam, Seo Samseok, Shin Jeonghun, Moon Geumjoo, and Lee Gaeho, who expressed their support for candidate Lee Jaejong and vowed victory for the Democratic Party.