Park Chandae: "Institutional Measures Needed to Prevent Rebellion and Martial Law"
According to the exit poll results from the three major terrestrial broadcasters for the 21st presidential election, Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Jaemyung is projected to receive 51.7% of the vote. The Democratic Party predicted that this could serve as an opportunity to achieve national unity.
Park Chandae, Yoon Yeojoon, Democratic Party of Korea's Standing General Election Committee Chairmen, are shaking hands on June 3 at the vote counting situation room in the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul, following the exit poll result showing presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung with 51.7% in the 21st presidential election. 2025.6.3 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
On June 3, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Park Chandae, Standing General Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party, met with reporters and commented on the exit poll results exceeding a majority, saying, "Since more than half of the people are showing support, as candidate Lee has said, I believe this will greatly help in moving forward without retaliation and without dividing the people into sides, achieving national unity and overcoming the crisis."
Chairman Park added, "We need to watch the results until the end, but after the presidential election, there is the task of national unity, so there was a strong desire for the vote share to exceed a majority."
When asked whether he considered the end of the presidential election as the end of the rebellion, he replied, "If there is a presidential election victory exactly six months from the day the rebellion began, then the actual end of the rebellion has been achieved." However, he also stated, "But I think we must carefully examine the causes and circumstances, and clearly demonstrate our determination so that martial law or rebellion never occurs again in the Republic of Korea."
He continued, "For a complete Republic of Korea and a complete democracy, we must clearly establish institutional measures to prevent illegal rebellions and martial law from ever happening again, and we must hold those responsible accountable for the causes and consequences."
Amid expectations that, if candidate Lee is elected, the National Assembly will promptly handle special prosecutor bills on rebellion, Kim Keonhee, and Chae Haebyung at a plenary session, Park commented, "Currently, we are gathering opinions," and added, "The final decision will be made through discussions at the Supreme Council or a general meeting of lawmakers."
Meanwhile, with speculation that Chairman Park may be considered for the position of Chief of Staff in the presidential office if candidate Lee forms a government, he stated, "Since July 1, 2021, when candidate Lee was party leader, I have served as chief spokesperson, chief of staff, Supreme Council member, floor leader, and acting party leader." He added, "During that time, I played my part in ending the rebellion and leading the party to victory in the presidential election, so I believe I have fulfilled my role." He also drew a line, saying, "I think now I should protect the party and serve as a member of the National Assembly."
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