Criticism of "We Are Hwang Kyoahn" Chant at Daejang-dong Appeal Withdrawal Protest
Conservative commentator Cho Gabje, CEO of Cho Gabje Dotcom, openly criticized Jang Donghyuk, Leader of the People Power Party, for his remarks defending former Prime Minister Hwang Kyoahn, calling it “a self-destructive act that damages the entire conservative camp.”
On November 13, Cho posted on his social media that he took issue with Jang’s chant, “This is war. We are Hwang Kyoahn,” at a protest rally held in front of the National Assembly building the previous day. He pointed out, “While former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon is leading the party’s response, the party leader is siding with those who promote illegal martial law and election fraud conspiracy theories,” and added, “Everything Han Donghoon has achieved is being undone by Jang Donghyuk.”
Former Prime Minister Hwang was arrested by Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok’s team in December last year in connection with the “12·3 Martial Law” allegations. At the end of 2023, he posted a series of statements such as “We must eradicate pro-North Korea Juche faction and election fraud groups,” “Take all emergency measures,” “Arrest National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonsik,” and “Arrest Leader Han Donghoon, who is obstructing the President’s actions,” which led to charges of inciting rebellion.
Cho described the party leader’s defense of Hwang, who is under investigation for these charges, as “a lack of political judgment.” He said, “Even after meeting with former President Yoon Sukyeol, Jang Donghyuk declared, ‘Let’s unite and fight as one.’ This is a public declaration of solidarity with the election fraud conspiracy theorists, and is tantamount to declaring war against the constitutional order of the liberal democratic republic.”
He continued, “Jang pretends to attack the Democratic Party, but in reality, he is attacking conservatives from within,” raising the level of criticism by saying, “This is an act of betrayal against the Korean conservative forces, whose core values are the rule of law and freedom.” He added, “Because of the election fraud paranoia spread by Yoon Sukyeol’s faction, 30% of the public and 50% of conservatives have been infected. The fact that the conspiracy theory infection rate among those in their 20s and those over 70 has become similar is a disaster for the entire conservative camp.”
Cho especially emphasized the responsibility of the conservative camp for failing to address the “election fraud conspiracy theory” internally. He stated, “Because this absurd conspiracy theory was not dealt with from within, the entire conservative camp has been exposed to ridicule and attacks from outside. The election fraud conspiracy theory is not an opinion to be protected by freedom of the press, but a false agitation that should be dealt with by law, just like communist agitation.”
Appearing on MBN’s “Newswide” the previous day, Cho said regarding Jang’s defense of Hwang, “Ultimately, this is a statement of continued support for illegal martial law and riding the election fraud conspiracy theory bandwagon,” adding, “It is no different from calling for the dissolution of the party.”
Cho concluded, “Jang Donghyuk’s judgment undermines the trust of the conservative camp and damages the foundations of liberal democracy. Unless conservatives break away from conspiracy theories, they will collapse on their own.”
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