Handonghun: "I Did Not Hesitate for Even a Second on Martial Law Night... The One Who Was Scared Was Lee Jaemyung"

Handonghun Refutes Kim Yongmin's Claim:
"I Was Not Afraid on the Day of Martial Law"

Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party, responded on the 24th to remarks made by Kim Yongmin, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, who claimed that "on the day of martial law, Handonghun was too scared to properly enter the main chamber, so I had a parliamentary security officer bring him in." Handonghun countered, "I did not hesitate for even a second that night."

On Facebook that day, Handonghun stated, "On the day of martial law, considering the country and its people, there was no time to hesitate." He emphasized, "I have previously made it clear, earlier than any Democratic Party politician, that I opposed martial law and that we should actively vote for its termination." He added, "As you know, the one who was scared on the day of martial law and hiding in the woods was Lee Jaemyung, who was the Democratic Party leader at the time." He continued, "I hope the Democratic Party will stop indulging in Baek Haeryong-style delusions." Baek Haeryong, a police superintendent mentioned by Handonghun, is the individual who was criminally sued by Handonghun for alleging that he covered up a drug investigation at Incheon Customs during his tenure as Minister of Justice.

Han Donghoon, former leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Dongju Yoon

In a subsequent post, Handonghun further stated, "Assemblyman Kim claimed that he called me on the day of martial law to ask me to participate in the vote to terminate martial law, but this is completely untrue." He continued, "Instead of lying, Assemblyman Kim should present the call records between himself and me, or with any other Democratic Party lawmaker. Since there are none, he obviously cannot provide them." Handonghun then asked, "Does Assemblyman Kim not intend to apologize for telling such an absurd lie?" and added, "If you don't want to apologize, at least explain why you made such a ridiculous falsehood."

Previously, on the 24th, Assemblyman Kim, who serves as the Democratic Party's secretary on the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, stated during a parliamentary audit, "On the day of martial law, I also called People Power Party lawmakers and earnestly pleaded with them, saying, 'Please come in quickly so we can vote together.'" He added, "At the time, Handonghun was too scared to properly enter, so I told the security officer, 'You need to let these people in,' and that's how they came in and we voted together."