[Yoon Suk-yeol Dismissal] Martial Law, Nuclear Power... Citizens Stopped Them

Gwangju Environmental Federation: "Time for Energy Transition"
"Impeachment Is Just the Beginning... Now Toward Nuclear Phase-Out"
"As We Protected Democracy, We Must Also Protect Life"

As the Constitutional Court has ruled for the removal of President Yoon Suk-yeol from office, environmental organizations in Gwangju welcomed the decision, delivering the message that "Nuclear phase-out is democracy."

The Gwangju Federation for Environmental Movements stated in a press release issued the previous day, "Today's verdict is the fruit of democracy protected by citizens who stood unarmed before armed soldiers on the night when former President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law," adding, "This decision marks the first step toward restoring the constitutional order that had collapsed."

On the 4th, when the decision to dismiss President Yoon Seokyeol was made, a large banner with the phrase "Protected Democracy! Thank You Gwangju Spirit!" was hung on the outer wall of Jeonil Building 245 in Dong-gu, Gwangju. On that day, Gwangju citizens watched the live broadcast of the Constitutional Court ruling at the 5.18 Democracy Square, welcoming the impeachment approval with cheers and tears. Screenshot from X

The organization particularly criticized former President Yoon's energy policy. "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration has cited the nuclear power budget as a justification for martial law, undermining the values of life, ecology, and peace," they said. "Nuclear power cannot be an alternative to the climate crisis; it is an anti-life and anti-democratic energy source." They continued, "Even during normal operation, it causes radioactive contamination, and in the event of an accident, it results in large-scale casualties and leaves behind high-level nuclear waste," emphasizing, "Nuclear phase-out is a matter of survival and a value that must be upheld through social consensus."

The Gwangju Federation for Environmental Movements asserted, "The impeachment of former President Yoon should be the starting point for restoring energy democracy. It is time to clear away all remnants, including outdated energy policies, beyond impeachment." They also added, "To prevent the arrogance of power from repeating, we will continue to monitor and take action together with citizens until the end," and "Today's impeachment has shown that the truth spoken in the name of the people has not been silenced."