On Appointment of Secretary Kang Junwook, Who Defended Martial Law, Presidential Office Says "Current Reflection Matters More Than the Past"

"It Is Time to Clearly Convey a Sincere Attitude and Apology to the Public"
Kang Issues Apology in Statement the Previous Day
In Book Published Last March, Describes Martial Law as "Undemocratic Resistance Against the Democratic Tyranny of the Opposition"

Yonhap News

Spokesperson Kang Yujeong stated on July 21 that, regarding Kang Junwook, Secretary for National Unity at the Presidential Office, who apologized on July 20 for previously expressing in his book that if President Lee Jaemyung came to power, it would become a totalitarian regime, "At this point in time, it is extremely important how sincerely and clearly one conveys an attitude and sense of apology to the public."

During a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office, Spokesperson Kang explained that Kang Junwook was recommended by a conservative figure, saying, "Although his past views may have caused controversy, he now acknowledges his mistakes and has apologized. He has also admitted that he was previously ignorant about the president."

She added, "From the perspective of national unity, I understand that the appointment was made with the idea that it is more meaningful to consider how he now reflects on his past words and actions, rather than judging him solely by his past. At this moment, it is crucial to determine how best to communicate a sincere attitude and sense of apology to the public."

On the previous day, Secretary Kang Junwook issued a statement saying, "I have deeply hurt the public who suffered for months under martial law with the content and expressions in my book," and added, "I sincerely apologize." He continued, "No excuse can truly heal the pain and discomfort I have caused the public. Even now, I will do my utmost, based on thorough self-reflection, to fulfill the president's commitment to embrace and unite the people divided by generation, class, and ideology."

In his book "Democracy of Barbarism," published in March, Secretary Kang wrote, "I define President Yoon Sukyeol's martial law as an undemocratic form of resistance against the so-called democratic tyranny of the opposition party," and added, "It was a systematic action (page 205) taken because the government could no longer function, its hands and feet tied by the tyranny of the majority party in the National Assembly."

Regarding former President Yoon, who is on trial for leading an insurrection, Kang wrote, "If martial law had resulted in deaths, injuries, restrictions on basic rights, or infringements on freedom, the president could be held responsible. However, none of that happened." This is similar to the arguments made by groups supporting former President Yoon at the time.

On the "Enlightenment Order" mentioned by former President Yoon during the Constitutional Court proceedings, Kang wrote, "It may be difficult for ordinary people to accept in their hearts, but in reality, he chose martial law as a way to communicate the frustration and sense of helplessness of the situation to the public (page 272)."

At the same time, Kang expressed antipathy toward President Lee Jaemyung, who was then a leading presidential candidate for the Democratic Party. Kang wrote, "Regardless of who becomes the opposition's presidential candidate, their ideas and beliefs will undoubtedly set the country back, but none are as unpredictable as Lee Jaemyung. Regardless of personal likes or dislikes, or whether he is a criminal or not, judging from Lee Jaemyung's actions and way of life so far, if he becomes president, it seems likely that it would be a powerful, terrifying, totalitarian, and self-righteous regime."