Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, issued a statement on the 13th, a day before the vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is accused of treason. He stated, “Yesterday, President Yoon declared a ‘mad declaration of war’ against the people. He proved himself incapable and unworthy of performing his duties for even a moment.” He added, “The people’s command is for Yoon Seok-yeol, the leader of this rebellion, to step down immediately.”
Lee appealed to the People Power Party, urging, “Please join us in voting in favor of the impeachment tomorrow.” The plenary session for the impeachment vote is scheduled for 5 PM on the 14th.
Below is the full text of the statement.
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Dear people,
Every night, when I see the line of candlelights filling Yeouido, I reflect. Following the “Night of Rebellion” on December 3, 2024, sleepless nights of resistance continue. The nightmare from this date persists in the hearts of the people, as dawn does not break.
Citizens, after their hard day’s work, return to the squares after finishing their jobs. They repeat ‘day work and night impeachment’ (晝耕夜彈), saying, “Even if my body is tired, this is what brings peace to my heart.” Young people, who should be studying hard for exams, bring their iPads and laptops to use the square as a study room.
They gather the precious lights that once shone on their favorites to dispel the darkness of rebellion and announce the greatness of Korean democracy to the world. Now, 50 million citizens are starting a grand fight to restore their everyday lives against the lawless and frenzied ‘forces of rebellion.’
At this moment, when facing the great citizens who have set out to reclaim the nation, we are reminded repeatedly of what the true nature of politics is and what the duties of a state are.
Yesterday, President Yoon launched a mad ‘declaration of war’ against the people. He tried to cover his crimes with despicable lies. He demonstrated his inability to perform his duties even for a moment and shouldn’t be allowed to serve in his position for even a moment.
The people’s command is consistent and clear: ‘Leader of the rebellion’ Yoon Seok-yeol must resign immediately. A ruler who has turned weapons against the people should not occupy the position of the people’s servant, even for a single minute or moment.
In compliance with this grave command, our Democratic Party will proceed with the second voting on the president’s impeachment motion tomorrow.
Dear people,
What kind of country is Korea? Despite political leaders who defy the will of the people, blinded by personal greed and partisan interests, and even after destruction and more destruction, the people inevitably raise it up again, isn’t it?
We have lost our nation due to foreign invasions. We have also endured the suffering of war and division with all our bodies. There were times when, crushed by batons and military boots, we couldn’t raise our heads under the horrific military dictatorship.
Since history began in this land, many calamities have been repeated. However, our people have never once abandoned the desire to pass on a better country. At every historical turning point, our people saved the country with wise choices. They overcame national crises with decisive and swift actions.
It was also our people who blocked the martial law army’s boots on December 3. It was our people who broke through the ruling party’s ‘anti-impeachment’ coalition, which was as solid as a bastion, one by one.
On December 14, 2024, we will once again proclaim that ‘the people are the owners of the nation.’ Our people will write a new chapter in history.
Dear people,
Politics may seem like it is done by politicians, but ultimately it is done by the people. Before the great wheel of history, created by our people, those who try to block its majestic flow, those who only care for their selfish benefits with petty calculations, and those who try to find their own way with lies, they can never survive.
Dear members of the People’s Power Party,
Each member of parliament is an independent constitutional authority. Regardless of party or ideology, there is an obligation to comply with the constitution and follow the mandate of the sovereign voters.
What you must safeguard is neither Yoon Seok-yeol nor the People Power Party. It is the lives of the people crying out in the cold streets.
It was confirmed through yesterday’s declaration of war. Impeachment is the quickest and most certain way to end the chaos. Please join us in voting for impeachment tomorrow. History will remember your choice.
I would like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the United States and our allied countries for continuously supporting Korea’s democracy. The support of the international community is a great strength to our people. We, as part of the free democratic camp, have enjoyed the benefits of growth and development, and we will fulfill our roles and responsibilities as well.
As the leader of the main opposition party, I promise you this: Korea will quickly resolve the state of national paralysis. We will achieve national normalization because that is the united will of our people.
Dear people,
History, like a clock pendulum, repeats between advance and retreat. There are times when immediate despair engulfs us. However, history always progresses.
A single misjudgment left a historical stain. But with the right judgments of the people, we have proven to the world that we can correct it, and we will do so once again.
If one leader can incite such great danger, how grand and steadfast must the dreams and future be, forged by the will of countless sovereign people?
Let us overcome today’s hardship and move forward even more. We will unhesitatingly follow the path of candlelights our people have illuminated for us. We will steadfastly set right this fallen Korean Republic.
Thank you.