On the 4th, Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and the head of the impeachment prosecution committee, attended the Constitutional Court ahead of the impeachment ruling against President Yoon Seok-yeol. He strongly advocated for an “8-0 unanimous dismissal.”
As he entered the Constitutional Court that morning, Jeong stated, “Yoon Seok-yeol’s unconstitutional and unlawful acts are known by both heaven and earth. The entire nation watched the scene of rebellion broadcasted live.” He emphasized the justification for dismissal by adding, “Not punishing today’s crime will only encourage tomorrow’s.”
Jeong further remarked, “No one can destroy the constitution written in blood, nor should they attempt to. We must punish the enemies of the constitution in the name of the constitution. The adversaries of democracy should be confronted with democracy.”
He highlighted the historical nature and role of the Constitutional Court, stating, “The court is a product of the June Struggle of 1987. Dismissing a constitutional destroyer is a very natural duty and the reason for its existence as an institution that protects democracy and the constitution.”
He also mentioned, “By dismissing Yoon Seok-yeol, we must preemptively block future dictators and leaders of rebellion.” He expressed hope that today’s ruling would be a wise decision that upholds the authority of the constitution and sets democracy back on track amid the crisis.
Continuing, Jeong stated, “I believe in the constitution and the people,” and expressed hope that those who endured sleepless nights for Yoon Seok-yeol’s dismissal would find solace today.
He concluded by expressing, “I hope that the dreams of the senior democratic activists who sacrificed their lives for the history of Korea’s democracy will be realized today. I believe the people’s earnest wishes have moved heaven.”
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is set to deliver the impeachment ruling against President Yoon Seok-yeol at 11 a.m. With nationwide attention focused, the application for court admission saw an unprecedented competition rate of 4,818 to 1, targeting 20 ordinary citizens.