Crisis of Democracy...
The Spirit of the Era Is Simultaneous Resignation
Kwon Sungdong, the floor leader of the People Power Party and co-chair of the election campaign committee, stated on May 16 at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery that "the spirit of this presidential election era is the simultaneous resignation of former President Yoon Sukyeol and candidate Lee Jaemyung."
On the 16th, two days before the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, Kwon Sungdong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, paid tribute at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, and responded to questions from the press. Photo by Yonhap News
That afternoon, after paying tribute at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Kwon wrote in the guestbook, "By upholding the spirit of May 18, we will overcome the crisis of liberal democracy and set the Republic of Korea on the right path."
Later, speaking with reporters, he said, "Martial law was wrong, and Lee Jaemyung and the Democratic Party have committed legislative dictatorship by submitting impeachment motions 31 times to protect a single individual. Recently, they have paralyzed the executive branch and are now attempting to place even the judiciary under the Democratic Party's control. I believe this is a crisis of democracy."
He added, "Through the simultaneous resignation of former President Yoon and candidate Lee, we are determined to restore democracy in crisis and set the Republic of Korea on the right path."
Regarding calls within the People Power Party for the expulsion or voluntary departure of former President Yoon, he said, "Artificial expulsion or forced departure could rather intensify internal conflict within the party. I believe it is most important for former President Yoon to make his own decision, and I expect he will do so for the sake of the party and the election."
On the issue of including the spirit of May 18 in the preamble of the Constitution, he said, "This is not a matter I can decide alone," and added, "We will have in-depth discussions when amending the Constitution."
Kwon stated, "I believe the national identity of the Republic of Korea is based on liberal democracy and a market economy. Just as the citizens of Gwangju rose up to defend liberal democracy, the spirit of May 18 must continue to be passed down as an educational legacy for future generations."
Meanwhile, during Kwon's visit to the cemetery, some union members passing by shouted loudly, but there was no physical obstruction from civic or social organizations.
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