[Impeachment of Yoon Seok-yeol] Ruling Party's Kim Sang-wook: "Korea, a Model Democracy... Should Seize This as a Leap Forward Opportunity"

Set an Example of Democracy and Rule of Law for the World
Democracy Commemoration Day Should Be Designated as a National Holiday
Emphasizes Healing National Division and Social Conflict
Calls for Early Presidential Election and Future Vision Instead of Mutual Slander

On the 4th, Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party who voted in favor of the proposal to lift the emergency martial law during the 12·3 emergency martial law incident and the impeachment motion against former President Yoon Seok-yeol, urged, "Now we must leap forward again. We must turn the scars of accumulated crises and conflicts into opportunities for a new leap."

On the same day, through a post on his social media (SNS) following the dismissal decision of former President Yoon, Kim said, "In an era of democratic crisis, an era of conflict, division, and confrontation, we have set an example to the world of the greatness of democracy and substantive rule of law. Thus, Daehan has become a model democratic nation in the world."

He especially stated, "On April 4, 2025, the citizens of Daehan ultimately protected the precious democracy of Daehan, which was created through sacrifice. They once again awakened with passionate hearts that the owners of this country are its citizens," adding, "We had enough courage not to be ashamed before future generations. Our achievements today are not simply Daehan's alone. In an era of democratic crisis, an era of conflict, division, and confrontation, we have set an example to the world of the greatness of democracy and substantive rule of law," expressing his gratitude.

On the 14th, after the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol was passed in the National Assembly plenary session, Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party, remained alone in his seat in the plenary hall while all his party members had left. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

He called for severe punishment of those responsible for the emergency martial law incident while healing the national division and social conflicts caused by the impeachment of former President Yoon. Kim said, "Violence is unacceptable. There must never be violence in language and behavior. This is an absolute proposition," and urged, "We must remember the preciousness of democracy and substantive rule of law. To this end, a democracy commemoration day should be established as a national holiday."

He continued, "Those responsible for this incident must be severely punished, and citizens who led the defense of democracy should be rewarded," emphasizing, "We must unify national opinion and overcome factional logic. The outdated and backward demonization of opponents and factional fights have led to blind confrontation. We must respect each other and cultivate inclusiveness and dignity. Instead of excluding the other side, we should make them healthy competitors and grow opportunities and achievements together."

He also stressed the need to hold an early presidential election for the future, not mutual accusations and slander. Kim said, "We must present a vision for the nation's future development that reflects the spirit of the times and uphold democracy and substantive rule of law, which our society regards as core values," and insisted, "We must address economic and social issues that have been neglected due to the recent national turmoil." This includes tackling pressing issues such as the U.S. tariff war, global economic downturn, low birthrate, weakening corporate competitiveness, and the collapse of the ordinary economy and small business owners.

Kim also emphasized the need to strive for a dignified and rational recovery of daily life and the healthy reconstruction of conservatism, saying, "Let us take pride in this honorable revolution, overcome the current crisis, and together take steps to pass on a proud Daehan to future generations," raising his voice once again.

Yonhap News