May Group: "Disappointed by South Korea's Rejection of Impeachment"

Joint Statement by the Three Official May 18 Organizations and the Memorial Foundation
"No Sanctions Against Groups Distorting the May 18 Movement"

On the 24th, when the Constitutional Court dismissed the National Assembly's impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, the Prime Minister immediately returned to duty at the Government Seoul Office Building after 87 days and headed to the Prime Minister's Office. Photo by Jo Yongjun

The May organizations condemned the Constitutional Court's decision to dismiss the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, stating that it is "a disappointing result in terms of moral and political standards" and does not align with the common sense of the people.

The three official organizations related to the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement (the Association of the Injured, the Association of Meritorious Persons, and the Bereaved Families Association) and the May 18 Memorial Foundation issued a joint statement on the 24th, saying, "We deeply express our concern over the decision to dismiss the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Ducksoo."

They asserted, "The Constitutional Court dismissed the National Assembly's impeachment motion, claiming that Prime Minister Han's responsibility did not constitute a serious violation of the Constitution or the law," and added, "We express deep concern that this decision, by neglecting the judiciary's duty to uphold constitutional values, could set a dangerous precedent that tolerates irresponsibility among high-ranking officials as a matter of routine."

They continued, "During his tenure, Prime Minister Han neglected his responsibility as the control tower in national disaster situations such as the Itaewon disaster and failed to protect the lives and safety of the people. In particular, he took no action and made no clear statement as the head of state affairs regarding repeated disparaging remarks and historical distortions by certain political groups who deny or distort the historical value of the May 18 Democratization Movement."

Furthermore, they added, "While the Constitutional Court's decision may be a legal judgment, it is a disappointing result in terms of moral and political standards, and does not align with the common sense and sense of justice of the people. Together with the people, we will uphold the spirit of the Constitution and the responsibility of democracy, and we will firmly oppose irresponsibility and the evasion of historical responsibility by public officials."