National Assembly APEC Support Committee and Democratic Party Gyeongju Committee Urge Immediate Withdrawal of Honorary Citizenship for Insurrection Suspect

Press Conference at the National Assembly Communication Office
Strong Condemnation of Gyeongju City and City Council
"An Act That Damages National Dignity"

Members of the National Assembly's Special Committee on APEC Support from the Democratic Party of Korea and the Rebuilding Korea Party, along with the Democratic Party of Korea's Gyeongju Regional Committee, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the afternoon of the 24th, strongly condemning the decision by Gyeongju City and the Gyeongju City Council to award honorary citizenship to a suspect of insurrection.

During the press conference, the lawmakers stated, "Granting the achievements of the APEC Summit as 'honor' to suspects of insurrection is an act that seriously damages the dignity of the Republic of Korea," demanding the immediate suspension of the procedure and a public apology.

They further declared that if Gyeongju City does not withdraw its decision, all members of the special committee would refuse to accept the honorary citizenship.

Hanyeongtae, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea Gyeongju Regional Committee, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 24th, strongly condemning the decision by Gyeongju City and Gyeongju City Council to award honorary citizenship to individuals accused of insurrection and demanding a public apology.

◆ "Suspicions of Political Pressure and Nominations-for-Favors... Allegations of Behind-the-Scenes Influence"

Hanyeongtae, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea's Gyeongju Regional Committee, strongly raised suspicions that certain political forces exerted pressure behind this incident.

Chairman Han criticized, "Despite opposition from citizens, the city council pushed through the award proposal, betraying the will of the people," and added, "The essence of this controversy lies in the abnormal structure where, ahead of next year's local elections, the city council and local government are acting at the behest of those who control nominations."

He went on to urge, "The honor of citizens must never become a tool for political bargaining," calling for the immediate withdrawal of decisions swayed by nomination power.

◆ "Gyeongju's Image Is Separate; Hope Tourists Continue to Visit"

Separate from the political controversy, concerns were also raised about potential negative impacts on the local economy.

Chairman Han stated, "It is deeply regrettable that Gyeongju's image has been tarnished by this incident, but this is an issue with the city and the city council, not the city of Gyeongju itself. The intrinsic value of the thousand-year-old city remains unchanged," and appealed, "I hope tourists will continue to visit and appreciate the beauty of historic Gyeongju."

The National Assembly Special Committee on APEC Support and the Gyeongju Regional Committee have defined this issue as a critical matter for the protection of democracy and constitutional order, and have pledged to respond until the end to ensure that the achievements of Gyeongju APEC are not distorted into a tool for glorifying certain individuals.