[Seoul=Newsis] Reporter Kim Myung-nyeon – On the morning of the 4th, under the declared martial law, citizens are shouting slogans urging the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol in front of the main gate of the National Assembly in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. 2024.12.04. kmn@newsis.com
[Seoul=Newsis] Reporter Jo Soo-won – The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism stated on the 5th that the martial law imposed by President Yoon Suk-yeol is “a regression in history that no citizen can empathize with.”
In a statement released that day, the Jogye Order mentioned, “The unilateral declaration of martial law, reminiscent of the bleak times of the past, has occurred again in the 21st century,” adding, “All citizens are feeling great shock and pain.”
The order emphasized the need for wise judgment to restore the honor of South Korea in the world and to heal the severe wounds left on the nation’s democratic pride by this incident.
The Jogye Order pointed out, “Democracy has established the order of law to prevent the mistake of prioritizing emotions over reason,” stating, “The declaration of martial law has led to a situation causing debates over its legality.”
Additionally, they commented, “According to the Buddha’s teaching of dependent origination, all conditions in the world are interdependent, and retribution follows cause and effect within time and space.”
The order continued by stating, “There should be a thorough legal assessment of this situation, which must be conducted more meticulously and calmly, with no procedural flaws,” adding, “To prevent further chaos, challenges must be overcome with cold reason.”
The Jogye Order concluded by stating, “Our citizens have the strength to uphold democracy and embrace even painful historical wounds,” and stressed the need for thorough supervision and preparation from social leaders and political circles concerning national defense.