[Yoon Suk-yeol Dismissal] Gwangju and Jeonnam Sectors Say "After Harsh Martial Law, the Spring of Democracy Has Arrived" (Comprehensive)

‘4.4.11.22’ The Day Korean Democracy Was Reborn
The Shouts of May 18 Democracy Square Become a Revolution of Light
Welcomed Across Politics, Education, Law, and Civil Society
“Citizens Have Won... Restoring Livelihoods and Daily Life”
“A New Beginning... Redefining Democracy and Justice”
“The People Stopped the Rebellion... Now Is the Time for Unity”

On the 4th, when the Constitutional Court delivered its historic second decision to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office, political circles, the education sector, civic groups, and the legal community in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions unanimously welcomed the ruling as a "great victory for the citizens." Various sectors evaluated the decision as "the people's judgment on a coup d'etat," while also emphasizing the need for national unity, restoration of education, realization of justice, and institutional reforms going forward.

Citizens holding a rally in favor of the impeachment rejoice on the 4th in the Anguk-dong area of Jongno-gu, Seoul, following the Constitutional Court's ruling to uphold the impeachment case against former President Yoon Seokyeol. Photo by Yonhap News

On this day, Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju, watched the live broadcast of the Constitutional Court's verdict with citizens at the May 18 Democracy Square and declared, "The great citizens have done it," adding, "We have blocked the most unconstitutional coup forces in the most democratic way." Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam, stated in a message, "It is a victory for the people who protected the Constitution," and called for unity in building a new Republic of Korea, invoking the spirit of "Yakmuhonam Simugukga" (If there is no Honam, there is no country), referencing the region's historical importance.

The Gwangju District Mayors' Council said, "After 123 days since the declaration of martial law on December 3, we have regained the spring of Korea," and urged, "Yoon Suk-yeol and the People Power Party must now admit their wrongdoing and apologize to the people." Members of the Gwangju City Council and the five district councils from the Democratic Party stated, "The winter of the coup is over, and the spring of democracy has come," pledging to "strive for a just and democratic society."

Fifty-nine members of the Democratic Party, Progressive Party, and Justice Party in the Jeonnam Provincial Council also issued a statement, saying, "Former President Yoon must apologize for his acts of constitutional destruction and be judged by the law," stressing that those who aided and abetted the coup must also be held accountable.

The Democratic Party's Gwangju branch said, "This is the result of the people's yearning for democracy," and pledged to "focus on protecting the lives of the people." The Jeonnam branch also stated, "We will do our utmost to restore livelihoods, diplomacy, and the economy." The Justice Party's Gwangju branch said, "Citizens have regained their stolen daily lives," and declared, "Now we will send Yoon Suk-yeol to prison and take action for a major transformation of society."

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

The education sector also raised its voice. Lee Jeongseon, Superintendent of Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, said, "The Constitutional Court's decision is a historic one that has further strengthened democracy," and added, "Gwangju education will nurture global citizens who embody the spirit of May 18 through democratic citizenship education." Kim Daejung, Superintendent of Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education, said, "This decision is a stern judgment on acts of rebellion," and emphasized, "We must make the next generation believe that democracy grows through interest and determination."

The Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union (KTU) said, "The Constitutional Court's acceptance is a victory for all citizens," and vowed, "We will correct the educational evils of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and revive the Constitution and democracy in classrooms." The Gwangju Teachers' Union also stated, "This impeachment was a democratic exercise involving both teachers and students," and added, "Now it is time for teachers to return to their rightful positions." Both organizations remembered wildfire victims, adding, "Even in today's joy, we do not forget the pain."

Citizens attending the 6th Gwangju Citizens' General Rally held on December 14 last year at the special stage in Geumnamro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, are cheering while holding placards. Photo by Song Bohyun

The legal community in Gwangju and Jeonnam also unanimously welcomed the Constitutional Court's decision. The Gwangju Bar Association issued a statement, saying, "We wholeheartedly welcome the Constitutional Court's decision to remove Yoon Suk-yeol from office," and evaluated, "This decision is a stern judgment by democratic citizens against the coup forces who trampled on democracy and the constitutional order." The association added, "We will continue to strive for social justice and the protection of human rights in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution."

The Gwangju and Jeonnam branch of Lawyers for a Democratic Society (Minbyun) also commented, "By unanimously removing Yoon Suk-yeol from office, the Constitutional Court has protected the Republic of Korea," and stated, "This is the result of citizens' resistance against injustice and their will to defend the Constitution." Minbyun added, "Today is the day Article 1 of the Constitution, 'The Republic of Korea is a democratic republic,' was upheld, and finally, justice has prevailed." They emphasized, "This removal is not the end but a new beginning, and with resolute determination, we must build a new Republic of Korea," pledging to "stand by the citizens in the future as well."

On the afternoon of December 5 last year, at the second general rally held in Gwangju 5·18 Democracy Square, a citizen is holding a placard urging the resignation of Yoon Seokyeol. Photo by Song Bohyun

The Gwangju Emergency Action for Yoon Suk-yeol's Immediate Resignation and Major Social Reform held a press conference at May 18 Democracy Square, declaring, "Our democracy has defeated the specter of dictatorship," and called for "creating a country where coups are no longer possible." They emphasized, "This victory is a continuation of the March 1st Movement, May 18, the June Struggle of 1987, and the Candlelight Revolution," and assessed, "Yoon Suk-yeol's removal is the result of the passionate solidarity and struggle of Gwangju citizens." They also argued, "Only when all those involved in the coup are thoroughly punished can true restoration begin."

The three main May 18 organizations (Bereaved Families Association, Meritorious Persons Association, and Injured Persons Association) and the May 18 Memorial Foundation issued a joint statement, saying, "Yoon Suk-yeol's removal is the most disgraceful downfall of a president in constitutional history," and declared, "This is a history of judgment written directly by the people." The organizations said, "A regime that reigned above the Constitution and privatized state power mocked the spirit of May 18," and added, "We have confirmed that the Constitution is alive and once again stopped the runaway of power." They emphasized, "The full truth of state corruption and constitutional violations must be revealed, and all those involved must be immediately brought to justice."