[Yoon Suk-yeol Dismissal] Gwangju Civic Groups: "Democracy Has Triumphed"

Gwangju Emergency Action:
"Thorough Punishment Needed for Those Responsible for Rebellion"

On the morning of the 4th, ahead of the Constitutional Court's ruling on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seokyeol, 1,000 citizens (estimated by the organizers) gathered at the 5.18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju, participating in the "Yoon Seokyeol Immediate Resignation and Social Reform Gwangju Emergency Action" rally, watching the Constitutional Court's ruling broadcasted on a large screen. Photo by Kim Wanjung

A civic group in Gwangju declared that "democracy has triumphed" following the Constitutional Court's ruling to dismiss Yoon Sukyeol, vowing to create a country where rebellion is impossible.

The Gwangju Emergency Action for Immediate Resignation of Yoon Sukyeol and Social Reform held a press conference at the May 18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju on the morning of the 4th, stating, "We have won. Our democracy has once again defeated the specter of dictatorship and achieved victory," and added, "Let us move forward toward a Republic of Korea where rebellion is impossible, a Korea for ourselves."

They said, "Our victory is connected to the cries of the March 1st Independence Movement, the April 19 Revolution, the Busan-Masan Protests, the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, the June Struggle of 1987, and the candlelight protests that led to the impeachment of Park Geunhye," adding, "The cries of the May fighters who chose death over surrender to dictatorship, the indomitable spirit of resistance they engraved in our hearts, have been revived as the courage to overcome fear and stand against Yoon Sukyeol's martial law forces, leading to this victory."

They continued, "The citizens of Gwangju have fought more passionately than anyone else against Yoon Sukyeol's illegal martial law, holding over 20 citywide rallies and nearly 30 weekday citizen assemblies," and explained, "We have endured a long, dark tunnel and ultimately achieved the dismissal of Yoon Sukyeol."

They also asserted, "Within the great struggle we have waged, the path we must take is already clear," and emphasized, "For a country where illegal rebellion can never happen again, thorough punishment of those involved in the rebellion is necessary."

They further added, "A history that has not punished wrongdoers is the root of repeated rebellions," and stressed, "This rebellion must become an opportunity for even greater democracy and a more remarkable Republic of Korea."

Meanwhile, Gwangju Emergency Action plans to hold a victory rally themed 'Democracy, the People, We Have Won' at 7 p.m. today.