Ahn Cheolsoo Stages Surprise Silent Protest at Liberation Day Ceremony
Holds Placard Reading "Oppose the Pardon of Cho Kuk and Yoon Meehyang"
Says, "Justice Is the Cure for Lackeys Defending Traitorous Pardons"
In protest against President Lee Jae-myung's special pardons, Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party who staged a surprise demonstration at the Liberation Day celebration on August 15, targeted the Democratic Party of Korea, stating, "For the lackeys who defend Lee Jae-myung's traitorous pardons, justice is the cure." On August 16, Ahn posted a photo of Jeong Eebong on his social media, saying, "This is my response to the Democratic Party's statement." The Jeong Eebong he referred to is a 40-centimeter wooden club used by the late Park Kiseo when he killed Ahn Doohee, the assassin of Kim Gu.
Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, posted a photo of Jeong Eebong in response to a statement from the Democratic Party of Korea. Instagram
On August 15, Ahn held up a placard reading "Oppose the Pardon of Cho Kuk and Yoon Meehyang" and staged a silent protest in front of President Lee during his 80th Liberation Day address. Although Ministry of the Interior and Safety officials attempted to stop him briefly, Ahn continued his silent protest until the end of the speech. President Lee did not show any particular reaction to Ahn's protest.
The Democratic Party of Korea immediately criticized Ahn's actions. Baek Seungah, the party's floor spokesperson, said, "Ahn staged a political show at the Liberation Day celebration by holding a placard opposing the pardons of Cho Kuk and Yoon Meehyang, using the ceremony as a platform to promote his campaign for party leadership." She argued, "He undermined an event meant to honor independence heroes and the spirit of the times for his own political ambition."
She further stated, "Those who had the courage to insult others through picket protests, sit-ins, and reckless remarks even on Liberation Day, why did they remain silent and submissive in front of Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Keonhee?" She added, "The People Power Party, which aided and abetted martial law and rebellion as collaborators of the Yoon Sukyeol and Kim Keonhee administration, pretending to act in the people's interest, is no different from the pro-Japanese collaborators who waved the national flag after liberation."
Ahn Cheolsoo, a member of the People Power Party, is holding up a banner reading "Oppose the Pardon of Cho Kuk and Yoon Meehyang" as President Lee Jae-myung finishes his congratulatory speech and heads back to his seat at the 80th Liberation Day celebration held at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News
Ahn has consistently voiced his opposition to President Lee's recent pardons on social media. On August 14, he criticized the pardons of former Cho Kuk Innovation Party leader Cho Kuk and his wife Chung Kyungshim, as well as the appointment of Busan National University law professor Cha Jungin as Chair of the National Education Commission. He said, "Unless President Lee owes an enormous debt to the Cho couple, how could he grant a double pardon to both husband and wife on the 80th anniversary of Liberation, and even award a minister-level post to their child's spokesperson?" On August 12, he strongly criticized President Lee, saying, "President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea, after observing you for two months, you are not qualified. Is disregarding the Constitution and destroying the rule of law what you call the real Republic of Korea?"
Previously, former leader Cho Kuk was released from Seoul Southern Detention Center on August 15 after serving eight months in prison. At the time, he stated, "My pardon marks a symbolic end to the era of prosecutorial dictatorship that abused prosecutorial power," and added, "If my party membership is restored, I will return to the people with greater humility and embrace criticism, opposition, and slander in my politics."
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