Kim Dongyeon Criticizes Jang Donghyuk: "Martial Law a Misguided Measure?... At Least Show Some Shame"

Kim Dongyeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, criticized Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, on January 7 for apologizing over former President Yoon Sukyeol's 12·3 Martial Law, calling it a "misguided measure." Governor Kim stated, "There should at least be a minimum level of sincerity."

In a post on his social networking service (SNS) account that day, Governor Kim questioned, "Is this really an apology?" and dismissed it as "the People Power Party's repeated apology cosplay whenever elections approach."

He continued, "Calling martial law a misguided measure-doesn't this apology ultimately still defend insurrection?" He insisted, "For Jang Donghyuk's apology to have even the minimum sincerity, he must hold himself and all those who support insurrection strictly accountable."

Governor Kim Dongyeon of Gyeonggi Province posted a message and photo on his social media on the 7th.

He added, "Principles and common sense are more important than winning or losing an election," and said, "If principles and common sense are unclear, at the very least, there should be a sense of shame."

Earlier that morning, Jang Donghyuk held a press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido under the theme of "Winning Change," where he stated, "The 12·3 Martial Law was an inappropriate and misguided measure. It caused great confusion and inconvenience to our people and deeply hurt our party members. As the ruling party, which was a pillar of state affairs, we bear a heavy responsibility for not fulfilling our role," bowing his head in apology.

He continued, "I deeply feel the weight of this responsibility and sincerely apologize to the people. The People Power Party was lacking. We will seek out our mistakes and responsibilities within the party. We will start anew, solely from the perspective of the people."