"Unacceptable" "Please Restrain"…Criticism of 'Gaecheonjeol Rally' from People Power Party (Comprehensive)

Emergency Committee Member Kim Byung-min "Assembly Should Not Be Allowed Regardless of Ideology"
Kim Ki-hyun "Opinions to Refrain from Traveling During Chuseok, Please Cooperate"
Won Hee-ryong "Safety Is the Conservative's Top Value, Party Must Take Firm Measures First"
Jang Je-won "Will Fight More Fiercely in the National Assembly... Please Refrain"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] As some conservative groups are preparing a large-scale rally in Gwanghwamun on October 3rd, National Foundation Day, voices from the People Power Party have also called for restraint in holding the rally.

Kim Byung-min, a member of the People Power Party Emergency Committee, attended the committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 7th and said, "There are too many people suffering economically and socially due to the prolonged social distancing caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)."

Kim emphasized, "Above all, in a situation where we desperately want to turn back time before the incident at the Liberation Day rally, the National Foundation Day rally is deepening national confusion and social conflict," adding, "Until our society regains safety, rallies that harm the health of the community should not be allowed regardless of progressive or conservative ideology."

He raised his voice, saying, "Just as Joeun-san's 'Seven Proposals for the New Year' petition pointed out the contradictions of the current government without losing satire and humor, freedom to criticize the government can be exercised broadly without going out to the square," and urged, "I strongly request the suspension of all activities related to the rally." He also addressed the government and ruling party, saying, "Please stop politically exploiting the responsibility for the failure of quarantine and inciting social conflict," and emphasized, "Only the united power of the people can overcome COVID-19. Please yield and join forces."

Senior lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun also said on CBS Radio that day, "I don't know which groups are planning to hold a rally on National Foundation Day, but basically, I think it would be better to refrain."

Kim said, "In a situation where even during Chuseok there are opinions that it is better to refrain from traveling, holding a large-scale rally on National Foundation Day is a matter of restraint," adding, "I fully sympathize with the national anger and the will to judge the current Moon Jae-in administration, but consideration for others is also necessary."

Jeju Province Governor Won Hee-ryong is giving a lecture at the Future United Party's freshman meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th. Governor Won gave a lecture under the theme "I Have Never Lost to the Democratic Party: The Secret to a 5 to 0 Victory." Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Won Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju, criticized through his Facebook on the same day, saying, "I don't think many people will actually gather for the rally, but the very talk of the rally is making it difficult for the people and quarantine authorities."

Governor Won said, "Denying the risk of COVID-19 and the necessity and effectiveness of quarantine, and intentionally putting not only themselves but also community members at risk is unacceptable," and urged, "All attempts to endanger the community under the name and value of conservatism must be stopped by the party and its supporters."

He referred to the Liberation Day rally last August, saying, "The party distanced itself from that rally, but it seemed that some took a lukewarm attitude. It is also an undeniable fact that some party members actively participated," and requested, "We must not repeat such mistakes. Please take firm measures first this time."

Lawmaker Jang Je-won also said on Facebook, "I feel sorry that the main opposition party, which should stop the Moon administration's misrule and recklessness, is lacking so much that another large-scale outdoor rally is being forecast," but added, "I earnestly ask you to refrain from going to the Gwanghwamun rally on October 3rd."

Jang said, "If a large-scale rally is held in Gwanghwamun while COVID-19 is still rampant, it could provide the Moon administration with an excuse to justify and evade responsibility for their quarantine failure," and said, "Please trust the People Power Party a little more."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.