Democratic and Independent Gwangju City Council Members "Welcome Yoon's Re-arrest"

Statement Issued:
"The Ringleader of the Rebellion Must Be Held Accountable"

A view of Gwangju City Council.

Members of the Democratic Party of Korea and independent councilors of the Gwangju City Council issued a statement on July 10, saying, "We wholeheartedly welcome the re-arrest of the ringleader of the rebellion," in connection with the re-detention of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

In an official statement released that day, they emphasized, "Yoon Suk-yeol was re-arrested early this morning. The re-arrest of the ringleader of the rebellion is a natural outcome and an indispensable measure to protect the damaged spirit of the Constitution and democracy."

The city council members pointed out that while former President Yoon freely walked the streets, the rule of law and democratic order in the Republic of Korea were gravely threatened. They stated that the judicial order was undermined by certain elements within the judiciary and prosecution, and that the lives of the people became impoverished, which inevitably deepened the anger of Gwangju citizens.

They added, "Today, with the swift response of the special prosecutor and the decisive action of the court, the doors of justice have been reopened," and assessed that "the fundamental principle that all citizens are equal before the law has been reaffirmed."

They strongly urged that, with this re-arrest, all suspicions raised so far should be thoroughly and transparently clarified without a shadow of doubt. In particular, they insisted, "Yoon's associates, including Kim Keon-hee and other forces involved in the rebellion, must also be thoroughly investigated without exception and be subject to the full judgment of the law appropriate to their crimes," adding, "This is the true realization of justice, and the only way to restore the broken trust of the people."

Meanwhile, they reiterated, "This arrest is not the end, but a new beginning for the true establishment of a democratic republic," and emphasized again, "We must strengthen institutional safeguards so that rebellion, treason, and power-related corruption can no longer take root, and everyone must work together to create a just society that fully reflects the voices of the people."