Democratic Party: "Honorary Citizenship for Rebellion Suspects at Gyeongju APEC Commemoration"...Demand Immediate Withdrawal

Call for Rejection of City Council Ordinance Proposal
Chu Kyungho, Kim Sunghoon, Jeong Jinseok Among Those Named

The Democratic Party Gyeongju District Committee (Chairman Han Youngtae) issued a statement on the 17th, revealing, "Gyeongju City has proposed to the city council to award honorary citizenships under the pretext of commemorating the successful hosting of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. However, the list includes a significant number of individuals implicated in the December 3 insurrection."

The Democratic Party Gyeongju District Committee stated, "Among the total of 92 nominees are Jeong Jinseok, former Chief Presidential Secretary, who is suspected of destroying evidence after the December 3 insurrection; Kim Sunghoon, former Deputy Chief of the Presidential Security Service, who is on trial for obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol (charged with special obstruction of official duties); Lee Jongseop, former Minister of National Defense and current Ambassador to Australia, who has been indicted for conspiring to harbor a criminal in connection with his appointment and the Chae Sergeant case; Jang Hojin, former Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and National Security at the Presidential Office, who has been indicted for conspiracy to harbor a criminal; and Chu Kyungho, former floor leader of the People Power Party, who is suspected of interfering with the vote on emergency martial law."

Democratic Party Gyeongbuk Provincial Party Committee

The Democratic Party Gyeongju District Committee emphasized, "The honorary citizenship is a prestigious certificate symbolizing the dignity and value of Gyeongju City. However, the attempt to bestow this honor on individuals who are on trial for charges related to insurrection, suspicion of evidence destruction, and obstruction of government authority demonstrates a complete lack of awareness of the gravity of the situation and constitutes an act that tarnishes the honor of Gyeongju City. If honorary citizenship becomes a means of absolution for those charged with insurrection, it ceases to be an 'honor' and instead becomes a 'disgrace,' running counter to the principles of democracy."

The Democratic Party Gyeongju District Committee declared, "We strongly oppose the passage of this agenda item at the Gyeongju City Council plenary session scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on the 18th. Immediately after the plenary session, at 11:00 a.m. on the 18th, we will hold a press conference in front of the main building of Gyeongju City Hall to vehemently condemn this attempt. The Gyeongju City Council must reject this proposal, and Gyeongju City must immediately withdraw any suggestion that tarnishes the name of its citizens."