Mayor Shin Sangjin: "The Arrest of Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Keon-hee Is an Inevitable Outcome of Their Own Making"

Shin Sangjin, Mayor of Seongnam, Voices Regret on Facebook on the 15th
"Sat in a razor-sharp seat without preparation... I, too, must reflect"
"Those with significant responsibility should step back and refrain from exerting influence"

Shin Sangjin, mayor of Seongnam, has issued a strong message of criticism and self-reflection regarding the simultaneous arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Keon-hee.

Facebook homepage capture of Shin Sangjin, mayor of Seongnam

On August 15, Mayor Shin stated on his Facebook page, "They are pitiful and unfortunate people who dug their own graves," adding, "In some ways, this could be seen as an inevitable outcome."

He further commented, "They ended up sitting in a razor-sharp position, pushed by those around them, without preparation and in a role that was not theirs."

Recalling his own support for former President Yoon during the 2022 presidential election, Mayor Shin said, "Even I, who supported him out of necessity, cannot help but reflect on my actions." He went on to argue that "whether it is the individuals involved or those who elevated them, both the People Power Party members and the public deserve an apology," thereby raising the issue of accountability.

He criticized former President Yoon's response to the emergency martial law, stating, "While it is true that the Democratic Party's obstruction of state affairs contributed to the situation, as the person ultimately responsible for this state of affairs, he must offer a sincere apology." He also took aim at some in the political sphere calling for "Yoon Again," expressing his regret by saying, "It is unfortunate to see whether they are truly recognizing the current situation."

Mayor Shin asserted, "And do the politicians who respond to or incite this realize they are pushing the conservative camp to the edge of a cliff? If they do not know, they are unqualified; if they do know and proceed anyway, they are bad people."

He also addressed the conservative political camp, stating, "I sincerely hope they regain their composure, remain calm, and unite their efforts to rebuild conservatism in line with the public's expectations." He added, "Those with significant responsibility should refrain from exerting influence at the forefront and step back for now."

In conclusion, Mayor Shin emphasized, "The party should be led by experienced, resolute, and clean individuals with a cool-headed and balanced rational mindset," warning, "The party convention must not become a stage for the ambitions of opportunists. Otherwise, we will commit an even greater wrong against the people."

This case, in which a local government head affiliated with the People Power Party has voiced strong calls for self-reflection within the opposition in light of former President Yoon's arrest, is drawing significant attention both inside and outside the political sphere.