Korean history lecturer Jeon Han-gil (first from left) and Yoon Sang-hyun (third from left) are participating in a walking event held in front of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 24th, urging the dismissal of President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment. Newsis
Jeon Han-gil, a Korean history lecturer who has spoken out against President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment, lamented that even his friends and family have turned their backs on him. He stated that he will steadfastly uphold his political beliefs.
Jeon spoke as a speaker at the ‘Rally of Patriotic Citizens of Gwangju and Jeollanam-do Against Presidential Impeachment’ held at Antioch Church in Seo-gu, Gwangju, on the 23rd. He began by saying, “There are people in Gwangju or Jeolla Province who support Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party, including some of my friends.”
He expressed bitterness, saying, “A friend who is extremely close to me called me trash, and this is what I want to say to that friend.”
Jeon claimed that the support rate for President Yoon and opposition to impeachment are rising in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, saying, “What my wife said was, ‘Don’t talk about politics; all my friends will become enemies.’ My friends are already out of touch and have become enemies. My closest friend even called me trash.”
Jeon strongly refuted the perspective that characterizes him as far-right. He said, “Those who pursue their goals with totalitarianism and violence, like Hitler’s Nazism, are called far-right. Jeon Han-gil, as a Christian, loves harmony, peace, meekness, and peace in accordance with Jesus’ teachings. During the nine rallies I attended over two months, there was not a single act of violence.”
He also expressed belief that although the impeachment situation has divided the nation into supporters and opponents, the country will eventually normalize. He stated, “If the president’s impeachment is dismissed or rejected and he returns to his duties, I believe the country will normalize and become unified again.”
Jeon drew the line on suspicions of political entry. He said, “Some people speculate Jeon Han-gil is trying to become a member of the National Assembly by getting the People Power Party’s nomination or trying to get into politics or make money on YouTube, but I can’t do politics. The YouTube earnings all go to the editor, and I’ve never taken a penny.”
He added, “I’m also financially losing out. I’m receiving personal threats and have security guards with me. My family is also afraid and opposed to it. My wife even suggested divorce. Jeon Han-gil is losing too much.”
Lastly, he said, “To the friend who called me trash, I asked them to just watch. I said the same to my wife. Lies cannot win over the truth. It will be revealed with time.”