Kim Sang-wook Supports Impeachment, Starts Solo Protest: "Yoon Seok-yeol Directly Destroys Conservative Values"

"Conservative Future Requires Ruling Party Lawmakers to Join Impeachment"
"Direct Confirmation of Support from Around 10 Lawmakers"
"Change in Atmosphere Since Election of Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong"

Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party who supported the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, began a solo protest in front of the National Assembly main building on the morning of the 13th. Kim plans to continue the protest until the vote on the impeachment motion scheduled for the following day, urging fellow lawmakers to join in supporting the impeachment.

Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party, is holding a one-person protest in front of the main building of the National Assembly on the morning of the 13th, urging People Power Party members to join in supporting the impeachment. Photo by Choi Young-chan

During his solo protest, Kim told reporters that it must not have been easy to step forward as a ruling party member. He responded, "Even if I receive criticism, become isolated, or get expelled from the party, I believe this is the role I must fulfill." He added, "This kind of event must never happen again in our constitutional history, so a decisive judgment must be made this time," and warned, "If the impeachment is delayed, the economic and social costs will snowball."

When asked if he had any message for party members opposing the impeachment, he emphasized, "The purpose of political parties and politicians is for the people and the nation," and stated, "If they fight to protect vested interests and power, I believe that is behavior unworthy of a legitimate political party."

He continued, "For the future of conservatism, we must establish a foundation to regain trust through a sincere apology that the public can accept," and said, "Therefore, I believe this impeachment is something ruling party members must participate in."

Kim also mentioned that another change has been sensed since Representative Kwon Seong-dong was elected as floor leader the previous day. He said, "There seems to be a lot of confusion since the emergence of the Kwon Seong-dong floor leadership yesterday," adding, "I told Representative Han Dong-hoon on Tuesday that I would persuade my colleagues, and since then, I have been working hard to convince them."

Regarding the party’s Ethics Committee reviewing the expulsion and withdrawal of President Yoon Suk-yeol from the party, Kim stated, "Expulsion must be enforced," and declared, "President Yoon has directly destroyed the constitutional order and liberal democracy. He has directly destroyed the most crucial part of conservative values that must be protected at all costs."

On the fact that he has previously said in media interviews that about ten ruling party lawmakers support the impeachment, Kim explained, "This is based on direct confirmation, but changes continue to occur," and clarified, "Because those opposing the impeachment are not remaining passive but are continuously being persuaded, the debate over support and opposition is ongoing."

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