"Demand for Immediate Exclusion of Kim Sunghoon, Jeong Jinseok, and Others by Gyeongju City and Council"
"Stop the Absurd Claim That APEC Merits Are Separate from Coup Charges"
The Democratic Party of Korea Gyeongju Regional Committee (Chairman Han Youngtae, hereinafter referred to as the Committee) has strongly condemned Gyeongju City and the Gyeongju City Council's move to award honorary citizenship certificates to individuals accused in connection with the '12·3 Coup', calling it "an act of utter madness."
On the 18th, the Committee issued a statement demanding the immediate halt of the plan, stating, "Gyeongju City has included individuals accused of serious crimes that undermined the constitutional order on the list of honorary citizenship candidates submitted to the city council under the pretext of ensuring the success of the 2025 APEC Summit."
According to the Committee, those nominated for honorary citizenship include: Kim Sunghoon, former Deputy Chief of the Presidential Security Service, who has been indicted for obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant for the ringleader of the coup (obstruction of special official duty); Jeong Jinseok, former Chief Presidential Secretary, who is under suspicion of evidence destruction; Choo Kyungho, former Floor Leader of the People Power Party, who is suspected of obstructing the vote on the declaration of martial law; and Jang Hojin, former Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and National Security, who has been indicted for conspiracy to interfere in the investigation of the Chae Marine incident and aiding a fugitive.
The Committee stated, "The honorary citizenship certificate is not a mere keepsake but the highest form of official recognition symbolizing the history of Gyeongju City and the pride of its citizens," and added, "Bestowing honor upon individuals accused of insurrection and undermining the constitution is an administrative deviation and an insult to democracy."
In particular, regarding Gyeongju City's explanation that "the merits of being selected as the APEC host city are separate from criminal charges," the Committee retorted, "Is it Gyeongju City's standard to grant honor even to those accused of violating the constitution?" and strongly criticized the city, saying, "Gyeongju City is trading the honor of its citizens and the value of democracy for administrative convenience and political calculation."
The Committee then turned its criticism to the city council, warning, "If the council approves this list in the plenary session, the Gyeongju City Council will become an accomplice, granting absolution to those accused of insurrection," and sternly cautioned the People Power Party council members who hold the majority of seats, stating, "This issue is not a matter of political strife, but of common sense."
Finally, the Committee announced three demands.
Specifically, it called for: the exclusion of all individuals accused in connection with the 12·3 Coup from consideration; the withdrawal and complete reconsideration of the relevant agenda item by the Gyeongju City Council; and the disclosure of the selection criteria along with an apology to the citizens.
Chairman Han Youngtae declared, "Gyeongju City cannot move toward the future if it bestows honor upon those who condone insurrection and undermine the constitution," and added, "We will fight to the end with the citizens until Gyeongju City returns to the path of common sense."
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