As Controversy Over 'Gyeom Support Posts' Grows... Busan City Council Member "Sincerely Apologizes"

"Not Intended to Support Unconstitutional Martial Law"
"Will Communicate More Carefully and Responsibly"

A Busan city council member from the People Power Party who sparked controversy by posting content supporting martial law has expressed an apology.

Park Jong-cheol, a Busan City Council member (Gijang 1), stated in a position paper on the 5th, "I sincerely apologize for causing worry and disappointment to many people due to my post related to the recent martial law."

He explained, "The post I wrote regarding the martial law situation was intended to express regret over the situation escalating into extreme confrontation without political dialogue, compromise, cooperation, or discussion." He added, "The post saying 'As a responsible party member, I deplore this situation' was meant to express concern and worry about such circumstances," clarifying, "It was never my intention to support illegal and unconstitutional martial law."

Councilor Park also said, "I intended to emphasize that I am relieved that the martial law was lifted and that we have returned to normal life, but my expression was not adequately conveyed, causing misunderstandings and bringing worry and disappointment to many people, for which I sincerely apologize." He further stated, "Taking this incident as an opportunity, I will communicate more cautiously and responsibly, and prioritize the livelihood and safety of the people in my legislative activities," adding, "Once again, I sincerely apologize."

A post supporting martial law by Park Jong-cheol, a Busan city council member from the People Power Party, uploaded on SNS. Naver Band capture.

In a post on social media at around 11:16 p.m. on the 3rd, shortly after the declaration of martial law, Councilor Park wrote, "I actively support and sympathize with President Yoon's declaration of martial law and believe we must eradicate pro-North Korean spy forces and protect the Republic of Korea by preventing administrative paralysis." He continued, "I actively participate with a patriotic will and once again pay respect to President Yoon Seok-yeol's decision." He added, "I ask party comrades to actively participate."

Local civic groups who saw the post demanded Councilor Park's resignation. The Busan Citizens' Movement Solidarity pointed out, "While angry citizens gathered in front of the National Assembly demanding the 'lifting of martial law,' he actively supported the martial law." They stated, "As a city council member who should represent the will of Busan citizens, Councilor Park, who made remarks disregarding democracy and human rights, must resign with patriotic will."

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