■ Host: Sunyoung Kim
■ Guests: Jin Kim, Former Editorial Writer at JoongAng Ilbo, Changryul Choi, Special Professor at Yongin University
* The text below may differ from the actual broadcast. For precise content, please refer to the broadcast. Please cite [YTN NewsNOW] when quoting.
[Host]
Politics commentary with sharp angles, current affairs at the hour begins. Joining us today are Jin Kim, former editorial writer at JoongAng Ilbo, and Changryul Choi, special professor at Yongin University. The truth battle in the sixth hearing of the impeachment trial was intense. Let’s start with the related video.
[Host]
President Yoon Suk-yeol has pointed to two individuals, suggesting this isn’t an impeachment scheme. The alleged conspiracy began with Hong Jang-won and Kwak Jong-geun. How do you see this situation?
[Jin Kim]
It’s the first time this impeachment scheme frame has been proposed. A scheme involves manipulating facts by a particular group to achieve a specific goal. How convincing is President Yoon’s claim? It’s quite questionable. Overall, there seems to be a mistake by Special Forces Commander Kwak Jong-geun that might have provided a pretext.
[Host]
What part was it?
[Jin Kim]
Appearing on a private politician’s YouTube channel was improper, especially in the sensitive and confusing situation shortly after the December 3rd martial law incident. Statements should be recorded by official state agencies. Appearing on an opposition member’s YouTube provided a pretext for President Yoon’s claims.
However, comprehensive analysis shows that beyond testimony disputes, there is substantial evidence related to issues like containment and politician arrests. Evidence like notes from Hong Jang-won and Choi Sang-mok, and directives given are substantial, making the scheme allegations quite weak.
[Host]
Among the many witnesses, President Yoon specified two key figures, Hong Jang-won and Kwak Jong-geun. The statements made on December 6 were the starting point. What are your thoughts?
[Changryul Choi]
President Yoon spoke of an impeachment scheme yesterday, using a frame of rebellion. It seems his side is determined to shift the narrative. In a similar vein, on January 25, his lawyer mentioned that entities like the prosecution were under opposition influence, committing factual rebellion. Though yesterday’s rhetoric aligns with this frame, claiming such major actions seem hardly logical shortly after martial law proclamation.
[Host]
Despite such claims, the testimony of Kwak Jong-geun was consistent, yet the president’s side pointed out the changing details to suggest reliability issues. Do you see cracks in the testimony?
[Jin Kim]
Compared to perfection, yes, but it won’t undermine the foundation. The Constitutional Court observes broadly, considering the larger picture over linguistic disputes. The substantive questions are whether the martial law was constitutional and the interpretations of the blockade’s evidence.
[Host]
During the sixth hearing, key disputes were about the directive to remove members from the parliament, with President Yoon emphasizing such directives aren’t feasible in governmental contexts, prompting counterarguments.
[Changryul Choi]
Certainly, counterarguments exist. The opposition’s frequent impeachment and unilateral legislative actions can’t justify such extreme measures. The continuous attempt to alter perspectives with persistent narratives like the rebellion or impeachment scheme is apparent.
[Host]
Let’s listen to what Representative Sanghyun Yoon had to say after meeting with President Yoon earlier today, focusing on the message that the party must not become fragmented like grains of sand.
[Host]
With the recently concluded “Grand Whale” project, both ruling and opposition parties are on the offensive. Is there still hope, or is it indeed a failure as some claim?
[Jin Kim]
For President Yoon and the ruling party, it’s a setback. More importantly, following the Ministry of Industry’s explanation, elements of political promotion were involved, making it akin to the Expo hosting failure. Without budget allocation, attracting overseas investment for continued drilling is said to be their plan.
[Host]
Indeed, with the ruling party claiming the potential for offshore drilling, we’ll have to wait and see if it becomes a continuation for the future government or if it concludes here. Thanks to Jin Kim, former editorial writer at JoongAng Ilbo, and Changryul Choi, special professor at Yongin University, for joining us. Thank you.
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