25 People Power Party Lawmakers Issue Public Apology for Martial Law, Promise to Sever Political Ties with Yoon

Apology Issued on First Anniversary of December 3 Emergency Martial Law
"We Will Achieve Party Innovation Equivalent to a Complete Re-founding"

On December 3, marking the first anniversary of the December 3 emergency martial law, 25 members of the People Power Party issued a public apology, stating, "As members of the ruling party in the National Assembly at the time of the emergency martial law, we feel a deep sense of responsibility. We sincerely bow our heads and apologize to the people." They also declared their political severance from former President Yoon Suk-yeol and other forces that supported the emergency martial law.

People Power Party lawmakers are apologizing on December 3rd at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul regarding the December 3rd emergency martial law. Photo by Jang Bokyung

On this day, 25 People Power Party lawmakers, including Lee Sungkwon, held a press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "We reflect on our mistakes, including the illegal emergency martial law, the resulting impeachment of the president, and the defeat in the presidential election, all of which stemmed from our failure to fully heed the will of the people."

The apology was signed by 25 lawmakers: Ko Dongjin, Kwon Youngjin, Kim Gun, Kim Sungwon, Kim Sohui, Kim Yongtae, Kim Jaeseop, Kim Hyungdong, Park Jungha, Park Junghoon, Bae Junyoung, Seo Beomsoo, Song Seokjun, Shin Sungbeom, Ahn Sanghoon, Ahn Cheolsoo, Um Taeyoung, Woo Jaejun, Yoo Yongwon, Lee Sanghwi, Lee Sungkwon, Jung Yeonwook, Cho Eunhee, Jin Jongoh, and Choi Hyungdoo. Some of these lawmakers had visited Representative Jang on November 20 to demand a statement regarding the first anniversary of the emergency martial law.

They stated, "The December 3 emergency martial law was an unconstitutional and anti-democratic action that denied and trampled on the liberal democracy of the Republic of Korea, which our people achieved through their blood, sweat, and tears. As a result, the nation’s dignity plummeted, and our people had to endure great suffering and confusion."

They continued, "We understand that, at the time, the legislative overreach of the large opposition party and a series of impeachments made it difficult to manage state affairs normally, and that there was a need to overcome the reality in which the liberal democratic system was under threat. However, these issues should have been resolved through politics within the framework of the Constitution and the law, and never through the extreme measure of emergency martial law involving the military and police."

They also emphasized, "We promise to politically sever ties with former President Yoon and all those who supported the emergency martial law."

The lawmakers pledged to reform the party as well. They declared, "Right now, while the public is concerned and critical of the runaway actions and misgovernance of the Democratic Party and the Lee Jaemyung administration, they are also reprimanding the People Power Party even more harshly. We will transform the party into one that focuses on people's livelihoods, policy, and governance, and achieve party innovation at the level of a complete re-founding."

They concluded, "Based on reflection and self-examination regarding the past, and with the courage to make a decisive break, we will move forward into a new future. We earnestly ask for your support and encouragement as we do so."