Call for Stronger Parliamentary Control Over Emergency Measures and Martial Law Requirements
"December 3 Insurrection Is Not Over... Overcoming Through the Power of the People"
Refers to the Revolution of Light... "Gwangju Saved the Nation Again"
Emphasizes the Spirit of Gwangju in the Constitution... Highlights the Value of Democracy
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate, reiterated the importance of including the "spirit of Gwangju" in the preamble of the Constitution during a citizens' meeting held at Jeonil Building 245 in Gwangju on the 24th, stating, "The spirit of Gwangju is democracy itself." Lee expressed his gratitude to the citizens who defended the National Assembly during the May 18 Democratization Movement and the December 3, 2024 emergency martial law, saying, "Thank you, thank you, and thank you again."
On the afternoon of the 24th, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate, spoke at a meeting held under the theme "Citizens Who Led the Democratization of Korea" at Jeonil Building 245 in Dong-gu, Gwangju. The meeting was attended by Kim Gilja, the mother of the late activist Moon Jae-hak, 5.18 bereaved family member Kim Songhee, and cultural figures including Kang Yujeong, who called for the dismissal of Yoon. Photo by Yonhap News
Lee stated, "The souls of Gwangju saved the Republic of Korea on December 3, 2024," and added, "The 'Revolution of Light' that began that night will continue into the future." He went on to say, "We are considering ways to record all the participation shown by the people and groups during the revolution and to honor their contributions in the name of the state."
He emphasized, "The great unity created by Gwangju during May 18 developed into the Candlelight Revolution, and now it is being completed as the Revolution of Light," adding, "This is the core of K-democracy, which is writing a new world history beyond the history of the Republic of Korea."
Lee also stated, "Forces of insurrection still hold state power, and acts of protecting them shamelessly continue," stressing, "We must overcome this crisis with the power of the people and move forward once again as a prosperous community."
On the afternoon of the 24th, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential primary candidate, spoke at a meeting held under the theme "Citizens Who Led the Democratization of Korea" at Jeonil Building 245 in Dong-gu, Gwangju. The meeting was attended by Kim Gilja, the mother of the late activist Moon Jae-hak, Kim Songhee, a family member of the May 18 victims, and cultural figures including Kang Yoojeong, who called for the dismissal of Yoon. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding martial law, he said, "Emergency measures that restrict the basic rights of the people must be subject to parliamentary control," and added, "The requirements for martial law should be limited to wartime, and a safeguard must be in place so that it is immediately lifted without parliamentary consent." He further noted, "Institutions alone cannot prevent everything, but at least minimal safety mechanisms are necessary."
He also emphasized, "The spirit of Gwangju must be enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution," and stated, "We must create a democratic system in which the people can routinely prove that they are the true owners of the country."
During the meeting, Lee said, "I still cannot forgive a person like Chun Doo-hwan," and added, "There are people who find pleasure in tormenting others."
In conclusion, he stated, "Gwangju is not just a region, but a great city that revived democracy in the Republic of Korea," and added, "This revolution, created by the participation of the people, will remain in world history."
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