Ahn Cheolsoo: "Certain Defeat in Presidential Election Without Reflection on Yoon's Martial Law" vs Kim Moonsoo: "Responsibility Lies with the Democratic Party"

Kim Moonsoo: "I Have Not Apologized for the Impeachment Issue"
Ahn Cheolsoo: "We Must Accept the Constitutional Court's 8-0 Ruling"

Representative Ahn Cheolsoo, who is running in the People Power Party's presidential primary, targeted his rival, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo, emphasizing that Kim should apologize and reflect on former President Yoon Sukyeol's imposition of martial law and subsequent removal from office. Former Minister Kim countered by stating, "The responsibility lies with the Democratic Party."

Yonhap News

On the 19th, during the first round of Group A debates for the People Power Party primary held at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Representative Ahn asked former Minister Kim, "Didn't you oppose the impeachment of former President Yoon?" and "Did you apologize to the public after the impeachment?" In response, former Minister Kim replied, "I have never apologized regarding the impeachment issue."

Representative Ahn then stated, "That is exactly the problem," and pointed out, "The Democratic Party is trying to frame the next presidential election as a contest between Lee Jaemyung and Yoon Sukyeol. Without reflection and an apology, we will not be able to break free from this dynamic, and there is a high likelihood that we will face certain defeat in the presidential election."

He continued, "Our party must win the presidential election," and emphasized, "The president was removed from office due to martial law, yet without any reflection or apology, the Democratic Party is branding us as the 'party that defends martial law.' Many citizens are being convinced by this narrative, and we must break free from it."

Former Minister Kim countered, "Why did the president declare martial law? It was because of the Democratic Party's repeated attempts at impeachment, which happened 30 times."

He added, "While the Constitutional Court's decision must be accepted, procedurally there were many issues, such as the court initially including and then removing charges of insurrection, which raised suspicions."

He reiterated, "I am someone who has neither defended nor supported martial law," but insisted, "However, the responsibility for the unfortunate circumstances that forced the president to declare martial law lies with the Democratic Party."

Representative Ahn remarked, "I believe it is important to first accept the Constitutional Court's 8-0 ruling for removal from office," and pointed out, "Isn't that the attitude of respecting the constitution and constitutional order, which are core conservative values?" He also expressed concern, saying, "How can we ask the public for their votes while defending martial law and thereby undermining constitutional values?"