Jo Kyung-tae, Senior People Power Party Member, Criticizes Former President Yoon
"Should Reflect and Have a Heart to Apologize to the People"
Yoon Issues Message Rallying Supporters Without Mentioning Acceptance of Ruling
Jo Kyung-tae, a senior member of the People Power Party, directly told former President Yoon Seok-yeol to "leave the party and issue a message." On the afternoon of the 6th, Jo attended a meeting of senior lawmakers with four or more terms, chaired by Kwon Young-se, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, at the National Assembly. Regarding former President Yoon's message, he criticized, "What right does someone who violated the constitution have to say anything and issue such a message?" and added, "I hope he reflects more and has a heart to apologize to the people."
Jo, the longest-serving member of the People Power Party, has previously voiced criticism against former President Yoon and the party leadership for opposing the December 3 emergency martial law. After former President Yoon's removal from office, when it became known that some party members proposed taking action against 'pro-impeachment factions' during a People Power Party members' meeting, Jo strongly criticized this. In an interview on the CBS radio program 'Park Jae-hong's One-on-One Battle' on the 4th, he said, "The moment I heard that, I thought, 'Are these people still not coming to their senses?' and 'Are they denying the Constitutional Court's ruling?'"
He also emphasized, "I hope the People Power Party regains its rationality," adding, "I believe impeachment was justified because the president imposed illegal and unconstitutional emergency martial law. A member of the National Assembly represents the people, not a position to follow or protect those in power."
Yoon to Supporters: "Never Be Discouraged"
On the same day in the afternoon, former President Yoon issued a statement through his legal team, sending a message to the group supporting him, the 'National Defense Lawyers.' He said, "I remember your first cheers that filled Cheonggye Plaza on the evening of February 13. Although my body was in detention, my heart was with you," adding, "I saw people fighting with the determination to protect freedom and sovereignty across the country in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and other regions. I also heard the cries of young students in the streets and correctional facilities." He continued, "Those who endured hardships and continued fasting, those who showed their firm will by shaving their heads, each and every one of your passionate love for the country moved me to tears. I deeply appreciate your support and encouragement," and expressed "a feeling of apology and regret."
He further stated, "Your journey, recognizing the nation's grave crisis and fighting to protect freedom and sovereignty, will be recorded as a great history of the Republic of Korea," emphasizing, "Young people, you are the owners of this country and its future. Even if today's reality is difficult, never be discouraged." He added, "As long as you do not lose courage, our future will be bright," and declared, "Although I have stepped down from the presidency, I will always stand by your side."
Former President Yoon Seok-yeol is making his final statement at the 11th impeachment trial hearing. Photo by the Constitutional Court
In response, the Democratic Party immediately voiced criticism. Hwang Jeong-ah, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a statement that day, "Yoon Seok-yeol, the leader of the insurrection, is once again scheming to incite far-right forces," calling it "more grotesque than his first statement after the removal ruling." Hwang pointed out, "Despite the Constitutional Court condemning the illegal martial law, Yoon Seok-yeol incites far-right forces without any intention to apologize," adding, "It appears only as defiance and mockery of the Constitutional Court's decision." She also criticized, "I am outraged by the shamelessness of the insurrection leader who, ahead of his criminal trial, incites his extreme supporters to protect himself," and questioned, "Is he going to continue his reckless behavior regardless of whether the country is ruined for the safety of himself and Kim Geon-hee?"
There are also criticisms that former President Yoon is only issuing messages to his supporters without showing acceptance of the Constitutional Court's decision. However, Kwon Young-jin, a senior member of the People Power Party and former mayor of Daegu, said on the 7th, "From the president's perspective, that should be read as acceptance." In an interview on KBS radio's 'Jeonggyeok Sisa' on the 7th, Kwon explained, "The opposition party wants him to say, 'I was wrong,' but that is legally unreasonable. Because the president is not only undergoing impeachment proceedings but is also facing a criminal trial. In such a situation, even if an impeachment ruling is made, the president cannot simply say, 'I accept everything as is.' Please understand that part a little."
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